Question

Epididymis is
(a) the network of sinuses between seminiferous tubules and vas efferentia
(b) the intermediate structure between rete testis and vas efferentia
(c) a long coiled tube between vasa efferentia and vas deferens
(d) the connection between vasa efferentia and seminal vesicles

Answer 1

Hint: The passage of spermatozoa: seminiferous tubules $\rightarrow$ rete testis $\rightarrow$ vasa efferentia $\rightarrow$ epididymis $\rightarrow$ vas deferens $\rightarrow$ ejaculatory duct $\rightarrow$ urethra $\rightarrow$ penis

Complete step by step answer:
The seminiferous tubules present in the testis open into vasa efferentia through the rete testis. Vasa efferentia leaves the testis and epididymis which is a long, narrow, tightly coiled tube. Epididymis enters into a long, narrow, muscular tube called vas deferens.

So, the correct answer is ‘a long coiled tube between vasa efferentia and vas deferens’.

Additional information:
- Epididymis is a comma-shaped organ that is 4cm long present along the posterior side of the testis.
- It is a long, coiled tube that has a large head, narrow midportion, and thin tail.
- Epididymis provides a space for storage of sperms and it also helps the sperms to mature.
- Epididymis is differentiated into three regions namely caput epididymis, corpus epididymis, and cauda epididymis. Caput epididymis, as it is a starting portion of the epididymis, it receives spermatozoa from seminal vesicles via vasa efferentia.
- A mass of connective tissue that covers the rete testis situated at the back of the testis is called mediastinum testis which is a part of vasa efferentia.
- Seminal vesicles open into vasa efferentia via rete testis which is a network of tubules in the testis.
- Spermatozoa produced in testis enter into vasa efferentia via rete testis. From there it enters into the caput epididymis which is the starting portion of the epididymis. From the epididymis, sperms enter into a long, narrow muscular tube called vas deferens. The epididymis is situated between vasa efferentia and vas deferens.

Note: Functionally, the epididymis is the site of sperm maturation. Maturation takes place in about 14 days. The epididymis keeps the sperm viable for up to several months. Any stored sperm that are not ejaculated by that time are eventually reabsorbed.