- Stereocilia (epididymis)
The stereocilia of the
epididymis are structures which aid in absorption. They are long cytoplasmic projections but have no motility.Unlike the
stereocilia of theear , those in the epididymis are more like longmicrovilli that cover the open surface of the epididymis. These extensions increase the surface area of the cell allowing for greater absorption and secretion. [How sperm are re-absorbed into the body. http://www.vasectomy-information.com/moreinfo/reabsorb.htm (accessed 2/16/06)]The stereocilia have no internal
microtubule structure and unlike truecilia , are non-motile.Efferent Ducts and Epididymis. http://www3.umdnj.edu/histsweb/lab16/lab16efferentandepididmys.html (accessed 2/16/06).] The internal actin network increases the surface area just like microvilli. Becausesperm are initially nonmotile as they leave theseminiferous tubules , large volumes of fluid are secreted to propulse the spermatozoa, along with the cilia of the pathway to theepididymus . The core function of the stereocilia is to resorb this large volume of fluid (90% of fluid volume), as the spermatozoa start to become motile here. They do not reach full motility (hypermotility) until they reach thevagina where the alkaline pH is neutralized by acidic vaginal fluids.References
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