rete testis

Examples of rete testis in the following topics:

• Testes

  • The developing sperm travels through the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis located in the mediastinum testis, to the efferent ducts, and then to the epididymis where newly-created sperm cells mature.
  • Septula testis, 3.
  • Lobulus testis, 4.
  • Mediastinum testis, 5.
  • Rete testis, 8.

• Testes Ducts

  • There are two types of seminiferous tubules: convoluted, located toward the lateral side, and straight, as the tubule comes medially to form ducts that will exit the testis.
  • The efferent ducts connect the rete testis with the initial section of the epididymis.
  • The ciliated cells stir the luminal fluids, which may help ensure homogeneous absorption of water from the fluid produced by the testis.
  • Diagram of cross-section of testes: 1: Testicular septa 2: Convoluted seminiferous tubules 3: Testicular lobules 4: Straight seminiferous tubules 5: Efferent ductules 6: Rete testis.

• Embryological and Fetal Events

  • A large part of the head end of the mesonephros atrophies and disappears; of the remainder the anterior tubules form the efferent ducts of the testis; while the posterior tubules are represented by the ductuli aberrantes, and by the paradidymis, which is sometimes found in front of the spermatic cord above the head of the epididymis.
  • Cords of the central mass run together and form a network that becomes the rete testis, and another network, that develops the seminiferous tubules.
  • In short, the descent of the testes consists of the opening of a connection from the testis to its final location at the anterior abdominal wall, followed by the development of the gubernaculum, which subsequently pulls and translocates the testis down into the developing scrotum.
  • Ultimately, the passageway closes behind the testis.

• Testicular Cancer

  • Not all lumps on the testicles are tumors, and not all tumors are malignant; there are many other conditions such as testicular microlithiasis, epididymal cysts, appendix testis (hydatid of Morgagni), and so on which may be painful but are non-cancerous.
  • a lump in one testis which may or may not be painful
  • About half of germ cell tumors of the testis are seminomas.
  • Treatment usually requires removal of one testis, but this does not affect fertility or other sexual functioning.

• Cryptorchidism

  • About 3% of full-term and 30% of premature infant boys are born with at least one undescended testis.
  • In 90% of cases an undescended testis can be palpated in the inguinal canal; in the minority, the testis or testes are in the abdomen or nonexistent (truly "hidden").
  • When the undescended testis is in the inguinal canal, hormonal therapy is sometimes attempted and occasionally successful.
  • A series of hCG injections (10 injections over 5 weeks is common) is given and the status of the testis/testes is reassessed at the end.

• Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

  • The epididymus is located at the back of the testis and connects it to the vas deferens.
  • The testis is the location for testosterone production.

• Transport of Hormones

  • Testis

• Scrotum

  • The left testis is usually lower than the right, which may function to avoid compression in the event of impact.

• Hormonal Regulation of the Male Reproductive System

  • Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates both the production of androgen-binding protein by Sertoli cells and the formation of the blood-testis barrier.

• Male and Female Gonads

  • Each testis is about 1 1/2 inches long by 1 inch wide.