part of part of in taxon channel for channels_from channels_into sperm Vertebrata <vertebrates> tube epididymis rete testis duct of male reproductive system efferent duct http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Hodenschema.svg UBERON:0006946 FMA:19081 UMLS:C0228013 EMAPA:18993 vasa efferentia efferent ductule Check EMAPA Wikipedia:Efferent_ducts ductuli efferentes testis NCIT:C32492 Any of a group ranging from one to twelve (varies in species) small seminal ducts per testis which transport sperm from the testes to the kidney.[AAO] AAO:0010532 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. seminal duct 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 MA:0000398 male genital duct