Molavi Chapter 14 - Testis

Question 1

Normal testis histology (seminiferous tubules)

Answer 1

Basically a collection of tightly-packed tubules. There are polygonal pink Leydig cells in the interstitium which produce testosterone.

Prepubertal: Tubules are lined with spindly, radially arranged Sertoli cells and rare spermatogonia.

Postpubertal: Spermatogenesis begins and the tubules are dominated by eveloping spermatocytes. Maturation is completed near the lumen of the tubules, where you see tiny “sesame seed-like” spermatids, which then grow tails to become spermatozoa.

Question 2

Rete testis

Answer 2

Rete testis

A collection of epithelial-lined, slit-like channels at the hilum of the testis which lead into the epididymis (and then eventually feed into the vas deferens).

Question 3

Normal epididymis

Answer 3

Normal epididymis

Pseudostratified and ciliated columnary epithelium, which continues from testical hilum and into the vas deferens.

Question 4

Answer 4

Normal vas deferens

Usually this will just be seen in the setting of vasectomy, in which case you need to do two things: 1. Ensure that it is actually vas deferens and NOT ureter, 2. Ensure that you have at least one complete circumferential cut of ecah side.

Remember: Vas deferens has 3 muscle layers, ureter has 2. This is the most reliable feature to differentiate them.