Biomaterial Database

Light and electron microscopical observations on the male excurrent duct system of the common shrew (Sorex araneus). 1984

F Suzuki, and P A Racey

In sexually active common shrews (Sorex araneus) the rete testis is a simple sac-like structure situated superficially between the equator and the anterior pole of the testis, and its epithelium glycogen-rich cells. In the ductuli efferentes, the tight junctions of the epithelial cells are poorly developed. The epididymis can be divided cytologically into initial, middle and terminal segments, and some variations are apparent in the fine structure of the principal cells throughout the duct. In the initial segment and in the most proximal part of the middle segment, mitochondrion-rich cells occur sporadically in the epithelium. The ductus deferens is divided into three anatomical regions, a tortuous pars epididymica, a straight middle portion, and an ampullary region. The distal half of the straight portion is distended, and appears to function, together with the terminal segment of the epididymis, as a sperm reservoir.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008854	Microscopy, Electron	Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.	Electron Microscopy
D012152	Rete Testis	The network of channels formed at the termination of the straight SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES in the mediastinum testis. Rete testis channels drain into the efferent ductules that pass into the caput EPIDIDYMIS.	Testis, Rete
D004822	Epididymis	The convoluted cordlike structure attached to the posterior of the TESTIS. Epididymis consists of the head (caput), the body (corpus), and the tail (cauda). A network of ducts leaving the testis joins into a common epididymal tubule proper which provides the transport, storage, and maturation of SPERMATOZOA.
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012671	Seminiferous Tubules	The convoluted tubules in the TESTIS where sperm are produced (SPERMATOGENESIS) and conveyed to the RETE TESTIS. Spermatogenic tubules are composed of developing germ cells and the supporting SERTOLI CELLS.	Seminiferous Tubule,Tubule, Seminiferous,Tubules, Seminiferous
D012788	Shrews	Small mammals in the family Soricidae, order Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora). They resemble moles and are characterized by a mobile snout, sharp INCISOR teeth, and are found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide.	Shrew
D013737	Testis	The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS.	Testicles,Testes,Testicle
D014649	Vas Deferens	The excretory duct of the testes that carries SPERMATOZOA. It rises from the SCROTUM and joins the SEMINAL VESICLES to form the ejaculatory duct.	Ductus Deferens,Deferens, Ductus,Deferens, Vas