The annual cycle of the epididymis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island

• Published in: Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Griffiths, D. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1984
• Subjects: Elephant Seal; Macquarie Island; Mirounga leonina
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb02325.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1469-7998.1984.tb02325.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb02325.x; https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb02325.x

The tubules of the head and body of the elephant seal epididymis undergo large increases in diameter and principal cell height for the duration of the breeding season, and regress at the conclusion of breeding. The tubules of the tail show a lesser development, and only towards the end of breeding. Spermatozoa, first produced in the testis in August, reach the tail of the epididymis in September, and are present in large numbers throughout the epididymis in October and November. In December, the first month of sexual quiescence following the breeding season, sperm are almost totally absent from the epididymis.