Epididymis

Question 1

The epididymis is a ………

Answer 1

C-shaped structure lying intimately along the posterior border of each testis and includes the caput (head), corpus (body), and cauda (tail).

Question 2

The ….. is bulbous and located proximally near the testis. and located proximally near the testis.

Answer 2

caput epididymis

Question 3

The caput epididymis is primarily involved in the initial stages of ……

Answer 3

sperm maturation.

Question 4

The corpus epididymis is …….

Answer 4

elongated and serves as a transitional zone where further maturation occurs.

Question 5

The cauda epididymis is …….. and ………., functioning as a storage site for mature spermatozoa prior to ejaculation.

Answer 5

swollen and distal

Question 6

The tunica vaginalis covers the epididymis except at the ……

Answer 6

posterior border.

Question 7

Vasculature and innervation of the epididymis is the same as that for the …….

Answer 7

testes

Question 8

Arterial supply to the epididymis is derived from the branches of the ……, while venous drainage occurs through the pampiniform plexus.

Answer 8

testicular artery

Question 9

Innervation of epididymis includes ……..

Answer 9

autonomic fibers that regulate smooth muscle contractions essential for sperm transport.

Question 10

The epididymis consists of a single, convoluted tubule that connects the …….. to ………

Answer 10

Efferent duct to the vas deferens

Question 11

Epididymis is surrounded by connective tissue septa, which segment the epididymis into discrete ……..

Answer 11

subcompartments

Question 12

These septa are oriented …..

Answer 12

perpendicular to the tubular structure and contribute to its organization.

Question 13

The smooth muscle layer surrounding the epididymal tubules varies in thickness:
………..
………..

Answer 13

thinnest at the caput and thickest at the cauda.

Question 14

This gradient facilitates sperm transport via …..00r
…

Answer 14

peristaltic contractions.

Question 15

The epididymis is lined with pseudostratified epithelium, which is composed of six main cell types, including principal cells, which are responsible for …… and ……. within tlphe lumen.

Answer 15

absorption and secretion

Question 16

These cells exhibit high metabolic and secretory activity regulated by……… .

Answer 16

androgens

Question 17

The ….. on the epithelial surface significantly enhance its absorptive and secretory functions, facilitating sperm maturation.

Answer 17

stereocilia

Question 18

This includes resorption of …….. Aland …… such as carnitine and glycoproteins

Answer 18

excess testicular fluid and secretion of substances critical for sperm viability

Question 19

…….. enter the epididymis immotile and gain progressive motility and fertilizing capacity during their transit through this structure, a process taking 2-6 days.

Answer 19

Spermatozoa

Question 20

The epididymis plays a critical role in ………., ……… and …….

Answer 20

sperm maturation, storage, and transport

Question 21

What is sperm maturation?

Answer 21

Spermatozoa entering the epididymis from the testis are immature and nonmotile. During their transit through the epididymal regions, they acquire motility and fertilizing capacity due to interactions with region-specific luminal environments.

Question 22

What is Sperm storage?

Answer 22

Mature sperm are stored in the cauda epididymis until ejaculation.

Question 23

This region’s thicker smooth muscle layer plays a role in propelling sperm into …….

Answer 23

the vas deferens during ejaculation

Question 24

How does the epididymis Protection?

Answer 24

The epididymis provides a …..

Answer 25

protective environment for the maturation of sperm by neutralizing reactive oxygen species through antioxidant enzymes secreted by epithelial cells.

Question 26

Additionally, a blood-epididymis barrier shields the ...........

Answer 26

sperm from immune responses and harmful substances in circulation.