Uberon definition : The efferent ducts (or efferent ductules or ductuli efferentes) connect the rete testis
with the initial section of the epididymis. The ductuli are unilaminar and composed
of columnar ciliated and non-ciliated (absorptive) cells. The ciliated cells serve
to stir the luminal fluids, possibly to help ensure homogeneous absorption of water
from the fluid produced by the testis, which results in an increase in the concentration
of luminal sperm. The epithelium is surrounded by a band of smooth muscle that helps
to propel the sperm toward the epididymis.;
Uberon synonym : efferent ductule; seminal duct;
Uberon related term : vasa efferentia;
Uberon Taxon note : There are two basic designs for efferent ductule structure: a) multiple entries into
the epididymis, as seen in most large mammals. In humans and other large mammals,
there are approximately 15-20 efferent ducts, which also occupy nearly one third of
the head of the epididymis. b) single entry, as seen in most small animals such as
rodents, whereby the 3-6 ductules merge into a single small ductule prior to entering
the epididymis;
The efferent ducts (or efferent ductules or ductuli efferentes) connect the rete testis
with the initial section of the epididymis. The ductuli are unilaminar and composed
of columnar ciliated and non-ciliated (absorptive) cells. The ciliated cells serve
to stir the luminal fluids, possibly to help ensure homogeneous absorption of water
from the fluid produced by the testis, which results in an increase in the concentration
of luminal sperm. The epithelium is surrounded by a band of smooth muscle that helps
to propel the sperm toward the epididymis.