Histology Of The Male Reproductive System DLA

Question 1

What is the path of spermatozoa of spermatozoa to the female genital tract?

Answer 1

1. Seminiferous tubules→ convoluted part spermatogenesis
2. Straight tubules: straight terminal part of the seminiferous tubule
3. Rete testis
4. Efferent ductules
5. Duct of the epididymis
6. Ductus deferens
7. Ejaculatory duct
8. Urethra

Question 2

How can the male reproductive ducts be classified into two groups?

Answer 2

Intratesticular ducts are derived from the genital cords and include convoluted and straight parts of the seminiferous tubules and rete testis

Excurrent ducts originate from the mesonephric tubules and duct and include efferent ducts, duct of the epididymis and ductus deferens

Question 3

Describe the histology of straight tubules

Answer 3

Straight tubules
Short terminal portion of the seminiferous tubule

Only contains Sertoli cells changing to simple cuboidal epithelia at terminal portion

Empty into rete testes (RT)

Question 4

Describe the histology of the Rete Testis

Answer 4

Rete testis ( RT) – ( yellow arrows)
• Network of epithelial lined channels
• Simple cuboidal to low columnar (arrow)

Question 5

Summarize the histology of the excurrent ducts: epidydmis

Answer 5

Consists of a head, a body and a tail
• Contains two types of ducts:
1. Efferent ductules at the head
2. Duct of the epididymis forms body and tail

Question 6

Describe the structure-function of efferent ductules

Answer 6

Approximately 20 efferent ductules connect rete testis to the duct of the epididymis.
Functions:
• Transport of sperm
• Reabsorption of fluid

Question 7

Describe the histology of efferent ductules

Answer 7

Lined by a pseudostratified columnar epithelium
• Walls supported by smooth muscle layer

Saw tooth or “hills and valleys” appearance of lumen

1. Clusters of ciliated columnar cells→Hills
2. Clusters of cuboidal cells with microvilli→valleys