Testis and epididymis
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Understand the gross anatomy of the testis and epididymis, including their connective tissue coverings.
- Provide a brief understanding of the function of each part.
- Describe the neurovasculature of and lymphatic drainage from the testes.
Watch video
The testes (sing. testis) are the male gonads which are composed of lobules containing convoluted seminiferous tubules, where sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs. Supporting cells within the testes secrete hormones, primarily androgens such as testosterone.
The testes reside within connective tissue layers known as the tunica albuginea and tunica vaginalis which are further enveloped by the layers of the spermatic cord.
Efferent ductules from the testis join to form the epididymis (pl. epididymides). These ductules unite within the head and body of the epididymis to form a single duct in the tail of the epididymis before becoming the ductus (or vas) deferens. Within the lumens of the ductules in the epididymis, sperm maturation is completed, although they remain immotile.
The following video will go into more detail about the external and internal structure of the testis and epididymis.
Take a quiz
Now turn that information into knowledge by taking a quiz!
Feeling full of knowledge? Push yourself with a custom quiz!
Download the following PDF worksheets and learn the anatomy of the testis and epididymis.
Browse atlas
:watermark(/images/watermark_5000_10percent.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/overview_image/924/3GSSNMPgyKOB6OeFRW1Q_testis-and-epididymis_english.jpg){kind=logo}
Review individual structures in the atlas:
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/testis-3/QrLAnzXjKpprdsmUXQwPBw_Testis.png "Testis; Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/tunica-vaginalis-1/lsrbA9sYmqBOx4gjICLBQ_Tunica_vaginalis.png "Tunica vaginalis of testis (Tunica vaginalis testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/parietal-layer-of-tunica-vaginalis-testis/HqBKHy4lIhkBiPSP1XnVlw_Parietal_layer_of_tunica_vaginalis_testis.png "Parietal layer of tunica vaginalis testis (Lamina parietalis tunicae vaginalis testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/visceral-layer-of-tunica-vaginalis-testis/YgiiL6iKCMTullxbvfMLQ_Visceral_layer_of_tunica_vaginalis_testis.png "Visceral layer of tunica vaginalis of testis (Lamina visceralis tunicae vaginalis testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/cavity-of-tunica-vaginalis/ztkJhK1cUkH486HQUXsyKg_Cavity_of_tunica_vaginalis_.png "Cavity of tunica vaginalis (Cavitas tunicae vaginalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/tunica-albuginea-6/EK4EFM2RoMFe1mZAl21d3w_Tunica_albuginea_of_testis.png "Tunica albuginea of testis (Tunica albuginea testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/septa-testis/U2T272Qqx1mOpYjxPsTJgQ_Septa_testis.png "Septa of testis (Septula testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lobules-of-testis/78URCqq6xWjNDGzjAAMtQ_Lobules_of_testis.png "Lobule of testis (Lobulus testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/seminiferous-tubules-2/81zLUKVIBOqM2GGBThSmg_seminiferous_tubules_magnified.png "Convoluted seminiferous tubule (Tubulus seminifer contortus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/straight-tubule-1/xYLAlvQZtPcQ5SUcdMqzQ_Straight_seminiferous_tubules__2_.png "Straight seminiferous tubule (Tubulus seminifer rectus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/rete-testis-1/v69isFrocquxkGxtGocC3g_Rete_testis.png "Rete testis; Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/efferent-ductules-1/0RL1dC40t1FwmoNoNshKjg_Efferent_ductules.png "Efferent ductules of testis (Ductuli efferentes testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/epididymis-3/fTeu7V13m8rnwRdba0ODWw_Epididymis.png "Epididymis; Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/head-of-epididymis/WoKKLRTfWIeNyVg9aNeRQ_Head_of_epididymis.png "Head of epididymis (Caput epididymidis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/body-of-epididymis/UalK6JzEXPzgmQIlYWhRRA_Body_of_epididymis.png "Body of epididymis (Corpus epididymidis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/tail-of-epididymis/XlTl13P5QPLoQykBr07wog_Tail_of_epididymis.png "Tail of epididymis (Cauda epididymidis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/vas-deferens-6/p7SE7hAlT8XYPenBIfkg_Ductus_deferens.png "Ductus deferens; Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/appendix-of-testis/OQhkIYIdJeoZLR7QyE5R5A_Appendix_of_testis_magnified.png "Appendix of testis (Appendix testis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/appendix-of-epididymis/6sxLXQGNE4Gt9ocToKE4w_Appendix_of_epididymis_magnified.png "Appendix of epididymis (Appendix epididymidis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
Summary
| Testis |
Contents: Lobules, septa, mediastinum of testis, seminiferous tubules (convoluted/straight), rete testis, efferent ductules. Coverings: Tunica vaginalis (composed of parietal and visceral layers), tunica albuginea, tunica vasculosa. Functions: Production of sperm, hormone production and secretion. |
| Epididymis |
Location: Overlies superoposterior aspect of testis. Structure: Formed by efferent ductules from testis → join together in head and body → become single duct in tail → continues as ductus deferens. Function: Maturation of sperm. |
Well done!
Related articles
:format(jpeg)/images/article/the-testes/kgYQl3SVTaa9uHTEfreung_Xvboe0XUR1OoKAX2GnfdQ_Testes.png.jpeg)
:format(jpeg)/images/article/epididymis/zKaHR6MjyGHZSryTIeMHA_anatomy-testis-and-epididymis_english.jpg)
:format(jpeg)/images/article/neurovascular-supply-of-the-testes/cFrHaGnY47ak4Pj7BpjQYg_arteria_testicularis_large_fKI28F9BTlvOWlJYUiagNA.png)
:format(jpeg)/images/article/vas-deferens/uVMWKLu6XA8k7X75k72Oug_lyembAetdHm1MrUfHZ6ZQ_Ductus_deferens_02-2.png)
Continue your learning
Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!
