• The epididymis is a highly convoluted tube forming the efferent route from the testis.

• Sperm are stored here prior to ejaculation, at which time they leave the epididymis and
continue through the ductus deferens to the seminal vesicle.

• The epididymis is attached to the posterolateral aspect of the testis, forming a vertically
oriented, tightly packed mass. It has three major parts: the head, body, and tail.

Head

• The head is the largest part of the epididymis and is connected by efferent ductules to the
superior pole of the testis.

• Each efferent ductule is approximately 15-20 cm long but is greatly folded.

• They join together into one duct of the epididymis at the level of the lobular bases.

• Laterally, the epididymis is covered by the tunica vaginalis.

• The head of the epididymis has a small, stalked appendage attached. This may be
double and is called the appendix of the epididymis. This is an embryological remnant,
similar to the appendix of the testis.

Body

• The body is the part of the epididymis between the head and tail and is covered by the
tunica vaginalis, except posteriorly.

• The highly folded duct of the epididymis forms the body.

• Along with the tail, fibrous connective tissue bands surrounds the body.

• The tunica vaginalis is slightly recessed between the body of the epididymis and the
testis: this recess is called the sinus of the epididymis.

Tail

• The pointed tail is located at the inferior pole of the testis.

• The tail is connected to the testis by loose connective tissue and the reflected tunica
vaginalis.

• The tail is a continuation of the duct of the epididymis that forms the body and gradually
widens towards its inferior end where it proceeds as the ductus deferens.

• Laterally it is covered by the tunica vaginalis.

Blood Supply

• Testicular artery, a branch of the abdominal aorta.

• Cremasteric artery, a branch of the external iliac artery.

• Artery of the ductus deferens, a branch of the internal iliac artery.

 • The three arteries anastomose freely.

Venous Drainage

• Testicular vein, which drains into the left renal vein (left side) or the vena cava (right side).

Nerve Supply

• Testicular plexus accompanies the testicular vessels.

• The thoracic splanchnic nerves supply sympathetic innervation.

• The vagus nerve supplies parasympathetic innervation.