Term Name: | efferent duct |
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Synonyms: | ductuli efferentes testis, efferent ductule, seminal duct, vasa efferentia |
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. |
Ontology: | Uberon Ontology [UBERON:0006946] |