[Plate 398, Male Pelvis: Bladder-Prostate Junction]Testes
Ovoid structure, approximately 5 cm long
Site of sperm production
Contains 200 to 300 lobules separated by connective tissue septa
Two to 3 highly coiled seminiferous tubules in each lobule, 1 meter in length
Tubules converge toward posterior testis and discharge contents into duct network of rete testis
Mediastinum testis
Posterior region of testis where vessels and nerves enter and leave
Not covered by tunica vaginalis
Contains rete testis
Contains efferent ductules connecting rete testis to head of epididymis
Suspended by spermatic cord and located in scrotum
Is covered by three distinguishable layers:
Tunica albuginea-tough fibrous layer
Visceral layer of tunica vaginalis-serous layer
Applied to testis, epididymis, and distal spermatic cord
Parietal tunica vaginalis
Parietal and visceral tunica vaginalis derived from peritoneal outpocketing in embryonic life
Separated by small amount of serous fluid that allows testis to move in scrotal sac
Deficient posteriorly to transmit epididymis and blood vessels
Blood supply: Testicular artery
Venous drainage: Pampiniform plexusEpididymis
page 195
page 196
Formed from convolutions of narrow duct of the epididymis
Located on posterior aspect testes within scrotum
Consists of a head, a body, and a tail
Head formed from ends of approximately 12 efferent ductules from the testis
Tail is continuous with ductus deferens
Where sperm are stored, mature, and become motile
Blood supply: Testicular artery
Venous drainage: Pampiniform plexus