Intratesticular ducts
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Mediastinum
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Tunica albuginea
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Seminferous tubules - Convoluted portions
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Seminferous tubules - Straight portions
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Rete testis
After release from the germinal epithelium of the convoluted portions of the seminiferous tubules, sperm are then transported through two connecting passageways to eventually exit the testis. Sperm first enter the straight portions (tubuli recti) of the seminiferous tubules which connect with the rete testis, a system of channels within the mediastinum. The rete, in turn, transports sperm from the mediastinum through the tunica albuginea and into the efferent ducts in the head of the epididymis. 40x
Image source >
Image taken of a slide in the University of Iowa collection.
