function of epididymis

The epididymis is no stranger to men, because it is also a very important organ in the male body and will directly affect the health of men. In clinical practice, many male diseases are caused by abnormal epididymis, so the protection of the epididymis must also be paid attention to. Of course, the epididymis is also very important for the functions of the human body. So what are the functions and functions of the male epididymis?

1. Epididymis

The epididymis is an organ composed of many small, winding tubes, connected to the vas deferens on one side and the seminiferous tubules of the testicles on the other. When the sperm leaves the testicles, it travels to the epididymis where it continues to grow and mature. The epididymis is at the upper end and rear edge of the testis. The epididymal tube is about 4-5 meters long and curves to form the body and tail. Helps in the maturation of sperm. The epididymis is close to the upper end and posterior edge of the testicles and can be divided into three parts: head, body and tail. The head is formed by a convoluted efferent tubule, the end of which is connected to an epididymal duct. The epididymal tube is about 4-5 meters long and curves to form the body and tail. The end of the tube turns sharply upward and continues directly to become the vas deferens. In addition to storing sperm, the epididymal ducts also secrete epididymal fluid, which contains certain hormones, enzymes and specific nutrients, which help in the maturation of sperm.

2. Function

The physiological function of the epididymis is to promote sperm maturation, and to store and discharge sperm. It accomplishes the above functions through the absorption, secretion and concentration functions of epididymal epithelial cells. Therefore, if the compound function is not good and directly affects the fertility function, it is recommended that if you have epididymitis or other diseases, you should actively treat them to avoid future infertility. It is recommended to develop regular living habits, do not stay up late, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and eat more vegetables and fruits.

3.Others

The epididymis also has a barrier function, preventing sperm from entering the epididymal epithelium and preventing its own immune response. There are phagocytes in the epididymis, and sperm that are not excreted from the body will be gradually disintegrated and absorbed by the phagocytes in the epididymis. The epididymis is prone to infection and inflammation, which can induce acute and chronic epididymitis. Acute epididymitis is mostly caused by urinary tract prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis spreading to the epididymis along the vas deferens. If acute epididymitis is not treated thoroughly, it may turn into chronic epididymitis.