MALE REPRODUCTIVE This resource is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial & No Derivative Works License

Objectives Students should be able to: Recognise, draw and label the main structures of a section of functional testis and immature testis. Identify the levels of the epididymis according to their cellular structural variations. Label the regions of the spermatozoon.

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis Section of whole testis : Identify the main features of the section. 5.0 mm

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis Section of whole testis : Identify the main features of the section. ductus deferens mediastinum testis E : epididymis R : rete testis E E 5.0 mm R tunica albuginea E connective tissue septa dividing the testis into lobules seminiferous tubules

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) At low magnification identify : tunica albuginea lobules connective tissue septa seminiferous tubules 1.0 mm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) At low magnification identify : tunica albuginea lobules connective tissue septa seminiferous tubules Septa extend from the tunica albuginea across the testis dividing it into lobules. connective tissue septa lobule tunica albuginia seminiferous tubules 1.0 mm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) The lobules are composed of convoluted seminiferous tubules. Lying between these tubules in the interstitial tissue are found Leydig cells (endocrine cells). 250 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) The lobules are composed of convoluted seminiferous tubules. Lying between these tubules in the interstitial tissue are found Leydig cells (endocrine cells). ST : seminiferous tubules L : area of Leydig cells ST connective tissue septum L ST 250 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) What magnification is best for identifying this section? Give reasons. 100 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) What magnification is best for identifying this section? Give reasons. What magnification is best for identifying this section? Give reasons. Higher magnifications are best. It is then possible to distinguish the different cell types present. At low magnification the tissue can be confused with epididymis. L ST ST : seminiferous tubules L : Leydig cells L ST ST L 100 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) What is secreted by the Leydig cells? 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) What is secreted by the Leydig cells? Leydig cells synthesize and secrete testosterone. These cells have a ‘foamy’ appearance due to the presence of lipid droplets and granules. What is secreted by the Leydig cells? C : capillary Leydig cells C 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Can you explain the appearance of tubules and cells from your knowledge of the architecture of the organ? 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Can you explain the appearance of tubules and cells from your knowledge of the architecture of the organ? Seminiferous tubules are surrounded by lymph spaces in the interstitium and Leydig cells. These tubules are lined by Sertoli cells. Germ cells differentiate and mature in compartments between the Sertoli cells. Can you explain the appearance of tubules and cells from your knowledge of the architecture of the organ? L L : Leydig cells L blood capillary L seminiferous tubule 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) In sections; adjacent seminiferous tubules show different stages of spermatogenesis. Tight junctions between Sertoli cells divide the basal and luminal compartments. As germ cells progress from the basal to the luminal compartment they undergo division and differentiation : 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) In sections; adjacent seminiferous tubules show different stages of spermatogenesis. Tight junctions between Sertoli cells divide the basal and luminal compartments. As germ cells progress from the basal to the luminal compartment they undergo division and differentiation : SPERMATOGONIA ↓ PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTES SECONDARY SPERMATOCYTES SPERMATIDS SPERMATOZOA 50 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Examine the tubules at higher power (X40). Are they structurally identical? 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Examine the tubules at higher power (X40). Are they structurally identical? No, adjacent tubules are at different stages of spermatogenesis. Tubules also vary in the angle at which they have been sectioned (not all true TS). Examine the tubules at higher power (X40). Are they structurally identical? P : primary spermatocytes ES : elongated spermatids spherical spermatids ES P spermatogonia nucleus of Sertoli cell P P 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. In this tubule many primary spermatocytes are visible. Many spherical spermatids are seen in the mid regions and elongated spermatids with tails protruding into the lumen towards the apical margins of the Sertoli cells. A prominent myoid or myoepithelial cell can be seen outside the tubule. Describe what you see. M : myoid (myoepithelial) cell elongated spermatids spherical spermatids primary spermatocytes 25 µm M

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. Prominent in this tubule are spherical spermatids many of which are in the cap phase. Note also sperm tails in the lumen of the tubule. Describe what you see. S : spermatogonia P : primary spermatocytes S spherical spermatids with acrosomal caps P P S 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. This section of tubule has both prominent spherical spermatids in the golgi phase and cap spermatids. The elongated spermatids are still enveloped by the apical portions of the Sertoli cells. Describe what you see. S : spermatogonia P : primary spermatocytes Si : spherical spermatids Sii : cap spermatids L : Leydig cells P L Si S Sii sperm tails Si P Sii S 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. 25 µm

SLIDE 162 Mature testis (dog) Describe what you see. Again most of the spherical spermatids are in the acrosomal cap phase. The darker strands of tissue are the bodies of the Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells acrosomal cap spermatids 25 µm

TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF DOG SPERMATOZOA

TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF DOG SPERMATOZOA head containing nucleus covered by acrosome neck head mitochondria mid-piece axial filaments 9+2 tail 2.5 µm

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF DOG SPERMATOZOA A group of spermatozoa on the surface of the uterine horn. Note the surface processes of the uterine epithelial cells. 10 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Low magnification showing main body surrounded by tunica albuginea. At the top is the epididymis. 200 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Low magnification showing main body surrounded by tunica albuginea. At the top is the epididymis. epididymis tunica albuginea developing tubules 200 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Compare with previous slide 162. 250 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Compare with previous slide 162. tubules blood vessels tunica albuginea 250 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) List the similarities and differences. 100 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) List the similarities and differences. Similarities. Both have tubules. Leydig cells present, but function at low level. 100 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) List the similarities and differences. Similarities. Differences. Both have tubules. Closely packed tubules, little or no lumen. Leydig cells present, but function at low level. No spermatogenesis. Immature Sertoli cells. Giant gonocytes present. 100 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) What cell types indicated below are evident in the tubular sections? 50 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) What cell types indicated below are evident in the tubular sections? What cell types indicated below are evident in the tubular sections? Gonocytes (pre-spermatogonia). Sertoli cells. G : gonocytes G G Sertoli cells G G 50 µm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Higher magnification of developing germ cells, Gonocytes within the tubules. These will become spermatogonia. Leydig cells develop in the interstitial areas. 25 μm

SLIDE 163 Immature testis (ferret) Higher magnification of developing germ cells, Gonocytes within the tubules. These will become spermatogonia. Leydig cells develop in the interstitial areas. I : interstitial tissue site of Leydig cells G : gonocytes within tubules G capillaries I Sertoli cells forming the epithelial lining of tubules I G 25 μm

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis Section of whole testis : Identify the regions of the epididymis. 5.0 mm

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis Section of whole testis : Identify the regions of the epididymis. Efferent ductules lead from the rete testis and join to form the head of the epididymis. A : head B : body C : tail B B C A 5.0 mm

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis At low magnification identify the main features of the section. 2.5 mm

DEMO SLIDE Mature testis At low magnification identify the main features of the section. body of epididymis (corpus) tail of epididymis (cauda) tunica albuginea tubules of testis 2.5 mm

What might this organ be confused with? SLIDE 166 Epididymis What might this organ be confused with? 1.0 mm

What might this organ be confused with? SLIDE 166 Epididymis What might this organ be confused with? Testis. Differential vesicular glands, bulbourethral gland, prostate gland. At higher magnification with kidney tubules. What might this organ be confused with? head (caput) body (corpus) tail (cauda) 1.0 mm

What distinguishing features can you identify? SLIDE 166 Epididymis What distinguishing features can you identify? 100 µm

What distinguishing features can you identify? SLIDE 166 Epididymis What distinguishing features can you identify? Pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia. No interstitial cells. Spermatozoa in lumen of duct. What distinguishing features can you identify? spermatozoa in lumen pseudostratified columnar epithelium (principal cells) and smaller basal cells forming wall of tubules 100 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis What is the function of the cellular extensions projecting into the lumen? 25 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis What is the function of the cellular extensions projecting into the lumen? What is the function of the cellular extensions projecting into the lumen? These are stereocilia (long branching microvilli). They are often clumped together and indicate a resorptive function of these cells. spermatozoa stereocilia (clumped) pseudostratified epithelium columnar cells basal cells 25 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Is this tubular structure single or multiple and can you decide that from the slide? 250 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Is this tubular structure single or multiple and can you decide that from the slide? A single, highly convoluted tube. This is not apparent from the slide. Is this tubular structure single or multiple and can you decide that from the slide? the epididymis : tubule cut in TS, LS and oblique section. 250 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Head (caput) Are all the sections of the tubule identical? 50 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Head (caput) Are all the sections of the tubule identical? No, the head (caput), body (corpus) and tail (cauda) are distinct in structure and function. This is a section through the head; here the pseudostratified epithelium is highest. The head is an area of resorption. Are all the sections of the tubule identical? tall columnar cells basal cells stereocilia blood vessel 50 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Body (corpus) Tubule sections from the body or corpus epididymis. The epithelium is lower in height than in the head portion. As spermatozoa pass through the body of the epididymis, they acquire the ability to move and to fertilize. 50 µm

SLIDE 166 Epididymis Tail (cauda) The tail or cauda epididymis is where spermatozoa are stored prior to ejaculation. The tubule in the tail has a lower epithelium and less prominent stereocilia. Bands of smooth muscle can be seen between the tubule. smooth muscle smooth muscle 50 µm

SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord This is a section through the spermatic cord proximal to the testis. Identify the structures indicated. F E C A B D G J 1.0 mm H

SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord F E C A D B G J H A : testicular artery. B : veins providing heat transfer and forming the pampiniform plexus. C : external cremaster muscle. D : nerve fibres. E : ductus (vas) deferens. F : wall of ductus deferens. G : connective tissue. H : space continuous with peritoneal cavity and lined by visceral and parietal serous membrane. J : internal cremaster muscle (runs on the inside of the peritoneum). F E C A B D G J 1.0 mm H

Whole section at slightly higher magnification. SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord Whole section at slightly higher magnification. 1.0 mm

Whole section at slightly higher magnification. SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord Whole section at slightly higher magnification. vas deferens loops of testicular artery external cremaster muscle veins internal cremaster muscle continuous with peritoneal cavity 1.0 mm

SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord The vas deferens or ductus deferens. Runs from the epididymis and joins with the urethra. It is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The smooth muscle in the wall has inner circular and outer longitudinal fibres, these may be interwoven. 250 µm 50 µm

SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord The vas deferens or ductus deferens. Runs from the epididymis and joins with the urethra. It is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The smooth muscle in the wall has inner circular and outer longitudinal fibres, these may be interwoven. serosa muscle lumen lamina propria 250 µm epithelium 50 µm

The internal cremaster muscle lies on the inside of the peritoneum. SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord The internal cremaster muscle lies on the inside of the peritoneum. 250 µm 100 µm

The internal cremaster muscle lies on the inside of the peritoneum. SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord The internal cremaster muscle lies on the inside of the peritoneum. V : veins of pampiniform plexus A : artery A V 250 µm internal cremaster muscle space continuous with peritoneal cavity 100 µm

SLIDE 167 Spermatic cord Bundle of nerve fibres in the connective tissue proximal to the vas deferens. nerve fibre 50 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat The prostate gland is found in all domestic species. Identify the areas in this low magnification view. 1.0 mm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat The prostate gland is found in all domestic species. Identify the areas in this low magnification view. disseminate portion of gland P : pelvic urethra M : muscularis body of gland M P 1.0 mm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat The body of the prostate lies within a capsule of connective tissue and smooth muscle the gland is divided by trabeculae. The disseminate prostate lies within the submucosa of the pelvic urethra. 250 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat The body of the prostate lies within a capsule of connective tissue and smooth muscle the gland is divided by trabeculae. The disseminate prostate lies within the submucosa of the pelvic urethra. disseminate portion of gland compact body of prostate trabeculae capsule muscularis of urethra L : lumen (pelvic urethra) L 250 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat Illustrated below; part of the body of the prostate. 250 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat Illustrated below; part of the body of the prostate. muscularis of urethra (smooth muscle) trabecula lobule of gland capsule 250 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat How would you describe the structure of this gland? 100 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat How would you describe the structure of this gland? A compound tubuloalveolar gland. How would you describe the structure of this gland? T : trabeculae dividing gland into lobules epithelium : lining alveolar sacs T T 100 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat How would you describe the epithelial lining of this gland? 50 µm

SLIDE 170 Prostate cat How would you describe the epithelial lining of this gland? Psedostratified cuboidal/columnar. How would you describe the epithelial lining of this gland? pseudostratified epithelium trabecula 50 µm

SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland The vesicular glands (seminal vesicles), are not found in all species and are not seen in the dog. Does the organ possess a tubular structure? 0.5 mm

SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland The vesicular glands (seminal vesicles), are not found in all species and are not seen in the dog. Does the organ possess a tubular structure? Yes; a compound tubulo-alveolar gland. glandular area interlobular septa capsule 0.5 mm

Is the gland secretory or not? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland Is the gland secretory or not? 250 µm

Is the gland secretory or not? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland Is the gland secretory or not? Is the gland secretory or not? Yes : a fluid gelatinous secretion is produced. secretion interlobular septa, loose connective tissue with smooth muscle 250 µm

Is the epithelium stratified, pseudostratified or simple? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland Is the epithelium stratified, pseudostratified or simple? 100 µm

SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland Is the epithelium stratified, pseudostratified or simple? Epithelium is formed of pseudostratified, columnar cells with shorter basal cells. interlobular septum with smooth muscle pseudostratified epithelium columnar and basal cells secretion 25 µm

What kind of reproductive organ is it? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland What kind of reproductive organ is it? 100 µm

What kind of reproductive organ is it? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland What kind of reproductive organ is it? An accessory gland, (absent in the dog). What might be its function? What kind of reproductive organ is it? interlobular septum pseudostratified epithelium secretion 100 µm

What kind of reproductive organ is it? SLIDE 169 Vesicular gland What kind of reproductive organ is it? An accessory gland, (absent in the dog). What might be its function? The secretory product is gelatinous and is rich in fructose; so providing an energy source for the spermatozoa. What kind of reproductive organ is it? interlobular septum pseudostratified epithelium secretion 100 µm

Lectures. Prof Paul Watson Second Year Histology 022 Male Reproductive. J.Bredl. 21.12.04. Gross Anatomy Correlates. Dr.S.Frean. Histology Slides and Stains. Tanya Hopcroft. Compressed version updated. 2005/6, 2007.