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1 Physiology Department,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale,
Illinois; and the Department of
Engineering Science, California Institute
of Technology, Pasadena, California
A cilio-peristaltic model for pumping of efferent
duct (ED) contents that predicts the observed
volumetric flow rates and is consistent with a
positive pressure gradient toward the epididymis is proposed. The model predicts that
the major contributor to fluid flow is the peristaltic component. The cilia, in contrast, may
reduce flow by creating reflux. This effect
may be reduced considerably with an increase
in fluid viscosity, which is in turn a function of
sperm concentration. It is concluded from this
investigation that if the peristaltic wave has a
33% or more constriction, the spermatozoan
concentration in the ED is at least 4 x 108 cells
cm-3 and flow rates in the ED are the same as
in the rete testis; then transit in the ED is due to
cilio-peristaltic pumping.
Key words: efferent ducts, peristalsis, cilia, fluid flow, mathematical model
Submitted on April 11, 1980
Revised on July 31, 1980
Accepted on July 31, 1980
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