Tridimensional reconstruction and histology of the intratesticular seminal pathway in the hamster.

The present work reports a tridimensional reconstruction of the intratesticular seminal pathway in the hamster as studied with light microscopy of serial sections of the proximal pole of the testis. It has three portions: a "terminal segment" of the seminiferous tubules; the tubuli recti with three parts; and the rete testis with two parts, intratesticular and extratesticular. Experiments using ductuli efferentes ligation show a marked dilation of the rete testis and tubuli recti without a corresponding dilation of the seminiferous tubules. This may be due to a valve-like action of the cells in the terminal segment of the tubules.