1. Embryology and Anatomy of the testis Flashcards
Embryological origin of the testis
It arises in the lumbar region from the Genital ridge at the level of L2 below the developing kidney.
The germ cells are derived from the Yolk Sac.
The germ cells of the testis are derived from
the Yolk Sac.
Migration of the testis
It migrates downwards, forwards & medially, passing through the inguinal canal carrying with it a fold of peritoneum (Processus Vaginalis)
Processus Vaginalis
it’s a fold of peritoneum carried with the testis during passing through the inguinal canal
Normally the processus vaginalis becomes obliterated soon after birth from the level of the internal ring to just above the testis forming the
vestige of processus vaginalis.
vestige of processus vaginalis
obliteration of the processus vaginalis soon after birth from the level of the internal ring to just above the testis
The testis reaches the internal ring at
the 6th month of intrauterine life.
The testis enters the inguinal canal at
the 7th month of intrauterine life.
The testis reaches the external ring at
the 8th month of intrauterine life.
The testis reaches the scrotum at
the 9th month of intrauterine life.
at the 6th month of intrauterine life, The testis reaches
the internal ring
at the 7th month of intrauterine life, The testis reaches
the inguinal canal
at the 8th month of intrauterine life, The testis reaches
the external ring
at the 9th month of intrauterine life, The testis reaches
the scrotum
Factors Responsible for Normal Descent of the Testicles
- Chorionic gonadotrophin from the maternal circulation
- Gubernaculum:
- Elongation of upper half of the body
- Intra-abdominal pressure
in Factors Responsible for Normal Descent of the Testicles, Chorionic gonadotrophin from the maternal circulation
stimulates the growth of the testes & may play some part in the migration of the organ
in Factors Responsible for Normal Descent of the Testicles, Gubernaculum
Fibromuscular band connecting the lower pole of the testis to the bottom of the scrotum guiding the testes into the scrotum.
in Factors Responsible for Normal Descent of the Testicles, Elongation of upper half of the body
leading to relative caudal shift in position of the testes.
in Factors Responsible for Normal Descent of the Testicles, Intra-abdominal pressure
squeezing the testes through the ring
Ernbryological origin of the epididymis & vas deferens
They arise from the mesonephric ( Wolffian ) duct
The mesonephric tubules embryologically give
- The vasa efferentia
- Appendix of the epididymis
- The paradidymis (organ of Giraldes)
Embryological origin of The vasa efferentia
The mesonephric tubules
Embryological origin of The appendix of the epididymis
The mesonephric tubules
Embryological origin of The paradidymis
The mesonephric tubules
Alternative name for The paradidymis
organ of Giraldes
Embryological origin of organ of Giraldes
The mesonephric tubules
Embryological origin of The appendix of the testis
arises from the remnant of the paramesonephric duct ( Mullerian duct).
alternative name for The appendix of the testis
Hydatid of Morgagni
Embryological origin of The Hydatid of Morgagni
arises from the remnant of the paramesonephric duct ( Mullerian duct).
alternative name for the paramesonephric duct
Mullerian duct
Macroscopic structure of the testis :
Morphology and size
Place in the space
Morphology of the testis in Macroscopic structure of the testis :
It is a flattened ovoid body
It has: 2 surfaces (medial and lateral), 2 borders (anterior and posterior) 2 ends (upper and lower).
Size of the testis in Macroscopic structure of the testis :
measuring 2x1x1 inch.
or 4x2x2.5 cm
place of the testis in the space in Macroscopic structure of the testis :
It is placed obliquely so that posterior borders are nearer to each other than the anterior borders.
Minute structure of the testis
1- Tunica albuginea :
2- Fibrous septa
3- Seminiferous tubules
4- Interstitial cells of Leydig :
5- Vasa efferentia
Tunica albuginea in the Minute structure of the testis
a tough fibrous coat which is thickened posteriorly to for the mediastinum testes.
Fibrous septa in the Minute structure of the testis
divide the testicle into 200-300 compartments
Seminiferous tubules in the Minute structure of the testis
number
Length
Ending
Lining cells
number of Seminiferous tubules in the Minute structure of the testis
About 400-600 in number
There are about 2-3 tubules in each compartment.
Length of each of the Seminiferous tubules in the Minute structure of the testis
each is 60 cm long,
Ending of the Seminiferous tubules in the Minute structure of the testis
As the tubules reach the mediastinum testis, they join one another and open in the rete testis which is a network of seminal channels.