ANATOMY OF PARADIDYMIS
LOCATION & STRUCTURE
- The paradidymis is a small, vestigial structure found in the spermatic cord.
- It is located near the head of the epididymis, between the testis and the vas deferens.
- Consists of a few blind-ending tubules embedded in connective tissue.
- It is a remnant of the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct from embryonic development.
HISTOLOGY
- Lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium similar to other mesonephric duct derivatives.
- Surrounded by fibrous connective tissue without any known functional role.
FUNCTION
- The paradidymis is a vestigial structure with no significant function in the adult male reproductive system.
- It is considered an embryological remnant rather than an active gland or duct.
BLOOD SUPPLY & LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
- Arterial Supply: Branches of the testicular artery.
- Venous Drainage: Pampiniform plexus into the testicular vein.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Para-aortic (lumbar) lymph nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY
- Derived from autonomic fibers of the testicular plexus.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
- Paratesticular Cysts: The paradidymis may give rise to benign cysts, which can be confused with spermatocele or hydrocele.
- Embryological Significance: It is a remnant of the mesonephric duct and has no known reproductive function.
- Differential Diagnosis: Can be mistaken for epididymal cysts or other scrotal masses during ultrasonography.
