Veterinary Andrology and Reproductive Techniques

EPIDIDYMIS

• Epididymis is a single, torturous, coiled tubule starting from the proximal portion of the testis.
• It consists of three anatomic parts - Head (Caput), Body (Corpus) and Tail (Cauda).
• It is responsible for nutrition, maturation, transport and storage of spermatozoa.
• The tail of the epididymis acts as a reservoir of fully mature sperm and becomes turgid with stored sperm in sexually active animals.

• Epididymis consists of three anatomic parts; the head, body and tail.
• The epididymis should be carefully palpated with hands during breeding soundness examination.
• Attention should be given to alterations in their size, form and consistency.
• Gross alterations in the epididymis are fairly rare.
• Hypoplasia / aplasia may occur - heritable, affected bulls should be classified as unsatisfactory potential breeders.
• Head of the epididymis should be carefully palpated for nodular enlargement indicating sperm granulomas, which may cause occlusion of the epididymal duct.
• Affected bulls should be rejected for breeding purpose.