Tridimensional reconstruction and histology of the intratesticular seminal pathway in the hamster.
The present work reports a tridimensional reconstruction of the intratesticular seminal pathway in the hamster as studied with light microscopy of serial sections of the proximal pole of the testis. It has three portions: a "terminal segment" of the seminiferous tubules; the tubuli recti with three parts; and the rete testis with two parts, intratesticular and extratesticular. Experiments using ductuli efferentes ligation show a marked dilation of the rete testis and tubuli recti without a corresponding dilation of the seminiferous tubules. This may be due to a valve-like action of the cells in the terminal segment of the tubules.
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012152:Rete Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*