Reproductive Physiology Practical

Ductus Deferens

Mammal Graafian Follicles

Mammal ovary follicles

Spermatic cord

Human fallopian tube

Dog Testis

Dog Epididymus Tail

Dog Spermatacord

Parenchyma

The functional cellular mass of the testis

Seminiferous Tubules

The coiled tubes where sperm production occurs

Mediastinum

The central connective tissue that supports the rete network

Tunica Albuginea

The white connective tissue layer below the visceral vaginal tunic

Settling Cells

Specialized cells anchored to the basal lamina that supports germ cells

Myoid Peritubular Cells

Cells forming the outer wall of the seminiferous tubule

Leydig Cells

Found in the interstitium (the space between tubules), these produce testosterone

Pampiniform Plexus

Network of veins in the spermatic cord used for countercurrent heat exchange

Cremaster Muscle

Striated muscle that helps pump blood through the pampiniform plexus

Epididymus head

Caput

Epididymus body

Corpus

Epididymus tail

Cauda

Accessory glands of the penis

Produce seminal plasma

Ex: ampulla, vesicular glands, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands

Erectile tissues

The corpus cavernous (dorsal) and corpus spongiosum (surrounding the urethra)

Fibroelastic penis features

In species like cattle

Ex: sigmoid flexture and retractor penis muscle

Outermost surface of testis

Visceral vaginal tunica

Inner layer of scrotum

Parietal vaginal tunicar

White layer below visceral vaginal tunica

Tunica albuginea

Connective tissue that provides support of the cellular mass of the testis (parenchyma)

Extends towards the center of the testis where it joins the mediastinum

Mediastinum

Connective tissue that supports the rete testes

Tubular part of parachyma

Where spermatic is produced

What is the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules composed of?

Myoid peritubular cells and a basement membrane

Sertoli cells anchored here too

Sertoli cells

Specialized cells in the seminiferous tubules that support developing germ cells during spermatogenesis

Interstitialcompartment of parenchyma

The space adjacent to the wall of the seminiferous tubules

Blood vessels, lymphatics, extracellular matrix and the leydig cells (cells that produce testosterone) are in the interstitial compartment

Leydig cells

Produce testosterone

Vaginal cavity

Between the visceral vaginal tunica and the parietal vaginal tunica that allow the testis to move in the scrotum

Tunica dartos (dartos muscle)

Below the parietal vaginal tunica layer

Layer of smooth muscle

Capable of prolonged contraction to elevate the testis for thermoregulation

Epididymus length in domestic species

60 m

Caput function

Absorbs extra fluid to concentrate sperm

Corpus function

Sperm mature and acquire mobility

75% of sperm are held in the epididymal body in a quiescent state

Stereocilla

Cells in Epididymus that increase surface area for fluid absorption

Ductus deferens

Transport sperm from the Epididymus through the inguinal canal and into the pelvic urethra

Pampiniform plexus

Network of veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the testis the th vena cava

Countercurrent heat exchange system to cool testicular artery blood

Ampulla

Where the ductus deferens meets the urethra

Short term sperm storage

Vesicular glands (seminal vesicles)

Paired glands that contribute to the bulk of seminal plasma