The epididymis is a comma-shaped structure lying along the back of each testis. It is a single, very tightly coiled tube about 6 metres long, folded into a head, body and tail. Sperm spend about two weeks passing through it, gaining the ability to swim and fertilise before being stored in the tail.
| Location | Along the posterior and superolateral border of the testis in the scrotum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Testicular plexus |
| Blood Supply | Testicular artery branches; Artery to the ductus deferens |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Transports, concentrates and matures sperm and stores them in its tail until ejaculation.
Epididymitis, usually from sexually transmitted infection in younger men or urinary bacteria in older men, causes a painful swollen epididymis and must be distinguished from torsion. Cysts (spermatoceles) of the epididymis are common, harmless lumps felt separately from the testis. Blockage of the epididymis is a cause of obstructive azoospermia.
Infection or inflammation of the epididymis, causing gradual scrotal pain, swelling and sometimes fever.
A benign fluid-filled cyst in the head of the epididymis, felt as a smooth lump separate from the testis.
Blockage from infection, injury or congenital causes, preventing sperm reaching the ejaculate.
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