Testes Flashcards
How are the testes suspended in the scrotum?
By the spermatic cord
What are the testes covered by?
They are covered by a fibrous coat, the tunica albuginea
What is the testes function?
To produce sperm and hormones principally testosterone
What are each testis divided into internally?
Lobules by fibrous septa
What lies within the lobules?
Coiled seminiferous tubules lie within the lobules
What do the tubules open up into?
A network of channels called the rate testis
What joins the rate testes to the epididymis?
The efferent ductules
What is the epididymis?
It is a long coiled tube that lies posterior to the testes, it is slightly compact that it appears solid
Does the epididymis stay the same height?
No - it decrease from the head of the epididymis at the superior end of the testis to the tail of the epididymis
What does the length of the epididymis act as?
Storage and a maturation site for spermatozoa
Describe the tail of the epididymis
It is continuous with the ductus (vas) deferents that passes into the spermatic cord
What is the tunica vaginalis?
A double layer of connective tissue - it is a closed peritoneal sac
What is the visceral layer closely applied to?
The testis, epididymis and the inferior part of the ductus deferens
What layer (parietal or visceral) extends further?
The parietal layer extends further superiorly than the visceral layer and reaches into the distal spermatic cord.
What allows the testis to move freely?
A small amount for fluid in the cavity between the two layers which helps reduce friction and allows the testis to move freely
