SUPPLEMENTARY: 4
Efferent Ductules (HP)
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The scalloped appearance of the lumen is due to tall ciliated cells (1) alternating with shorter non-ciliated cells (2) with microvilli on their luminal surface.
The ciliary current produced by the tall cells draws testicular fluid, produced by Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules, towards the epididymis. The microvilli on the surface of the shorter cells in the efferent ductules (and also in the epididymis), facilitate resorption of testicular fluid.
Both modifications are important in maintaining a stream of fluid which suspends the immotile spermatozoa and carries them passively
from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.
The ten to twelve efferent tubules fuse to form a single duct, the epidiymis.
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