Question

In rabbit, head of epididymis present at the head of the testis is called as
a. Vas deferens
b. Cauda epididymis
c. Gubernaculum
d. Caput epididymis

Answer 1

Hint: The epididymis is the site for final maturation of spermatozoa. The epididymal duct is extremely long and divided functionally into 3 regions, the caput (head), corpus (body) and cauda (tail).

Complete answer:
The caput of the epididymis is connected to the efferent ducts of the testes. Secreted within the rete tubules of the testes is reabsorbed here and epididymal fluid is secreted. This fluid secretion is critical so facilitates movement of the sperm through the epididymis. ThusThe epididymis (plural, epididymides) could even be a tightly coiled mass of thin tubes that carries sperm from the testes to the vas deferens within the male genital system. Sperm matures because it passes through the epididymis in order that it’s able to fertilize ova by the time it enters the vas deferens.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
> Scrotum: The scrotum could even be a pouch arising from the lower wall. Scrotum protects the testes does acts as thermoregulator.
> Testes: Testes are primary sex organs. There are germinal somatic cells which produce the sperms. Seminiferous tubules contain spermatogonia (sperm mother cells). There are interstitial cells or cells of Leydig which secrete the hormone testosterone.
> Vas deferens: These are the long tube-like structures which are responsible for the transport of the sperms. Tubules are a pair of ducts ranging from the plexus and entering within the epididymis. A pair of tubular structures arising from cauda epididymis are called vasa deferentia.
> Epididymis: Epididymis are paired structures which are highly coiled ducts situated on the posterior border of each testis. It’s differentiated into the next three regions. Caput epididymis which is the upper wider head that receives tubules. The sperms undergo physiological maturation acquiring increased motility and fertilizing capacity. Corpus epididymis which is the middle narrower body. Cauda epididymis which may be a lower duct or tail. Within the tail, sperms remain for a quick period then enter the ductus deferens.
> Urethra: The urethra could even be an area which extends to make the penis. Urethra carries both urine and semen.
> Penis: The copulatory organ used for insemination or deposition of sperms within the female genital tract. The penis passes through the urethra.

Accessory sex glands:
• Prostate gland: this is often a gland which lies dorsally round the base of uterus masculinus. It opens into urethra by several small ducts. Its whitish alkaline secretion activates the passive spermatozoa.
• Cowper’s glands: These glands lie posterior to the prostate. Their secretion neutralizes acidity for the protection of spermatozoa.
• Perineal glands: These are the glands which are placed behind the Cowper’s glands. The odour gives the rabbit a characteristic smell.

Note: Within the rabbits, the male genital system has two parts viz. the reproductive organs and accessory glands. The foremost organ or male gonad is testis which is present within the scrotum.