The vascularization of the epididymis of the boar with special reference to perfusion fixation

Vasculature of the epididymis was investigated by means of corrosion casts. In the boar, epididymal arteries form a complex network around their stem vessel, the testicular artery. Proper perfusion fixation or complete casting therefore require direct injection into one of these branches. To reach the distal cauda, cannulation of the deferential artery is further needed. Connections between all of these feeding vessels occur at the level of the vascular cone. A prominent anastomosis between an epididymal branch and the testicular artery is regularly observed under the caput epididymis. Epididymal veins drain to a large extent into the pampiniform plexus. Unlike the situation in other species, vascularization of testis and epididymis are closely associated in the boar.