TRANSPORT OF SPERMATOZOA FROM SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES TO EPIDIDYMIS IN THE MOUSE: A HISTOLOGICAL AND QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The histology and structure of the seminiferous tubules, the tubuli recti, the rete testis and the ductuli efferentes of the adult albino mouse were studied in conjunction with the effect of unilateral ligation of the ductuli efferentes on the testis of the operated side under various experimental conditions. Results indicate that the amount of fluid produced within the testis is sufficient to flush the tubular system at least once a day and therefore 8 times/ spermatogenic cycle and that this fluid passage is the major factor in the transport of spermatozoa from the seminiferous tubules to the ductuli efferentes. The possibility of an interaction between the Sertoli cell and associated spermatids in early spermiogenesis resulting in secretion of fluid by the Sertoli cell is discussed.