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The rete testis (/ ˈ r iː t i ˈ t ɛ s t ɪ s / REE-tee TES-tis; pl.: retia testes) is an anastomosing network of delicate tubules located in the hilum of the testicle (mediastinum testis) that carries sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the efferent ducts. It is the homologue of the rete ovarii in females. [1]
The lobules are conical in shape, the base being directed toward the circumference of the organ, the apex toward the mediastinum testis. Each lobule is contained in one of the intervals between the fibrous septa which extend between the mediastinum testis and the tunica albuginea , and consists of from one to three, or more, minute convoluted ...
It supports the rete testis and blood and lymphatic vessels of the testis in their passage into and out of the substance of the gland. [ 3 ] The septa testis - extensions of the tunica albuginea into the substance of the testis that form fibrous partitions - converge towards the mediastinum testis.
Ultrasound image showing tubular ectasia of the rete testis as an incidental finding in an 81 year old male. Rete tubular ectasia, also known as cystic transformation of rete testis [1] is a benign condition, usually found in older men, involving numerous small, tubular cystic structures within the rete testis.
The efferent ducts (also efferent ductules, ductuli efferentes, ductus efferentes, or vasa efferentia) connect the rete testis with the initial section of the epididymis. [1] There are two basic designs for efferent ductule structure: a) multiple entries into the epididymis, as seen in most large mammals.
In the central mass a series of cords appear, and the periphery of the mass is converted into the tunica albuginea, thus excluding the surface epithelium from any part in the formation of the tissue of the testis. The cords of the central mass run together toward the future hilum and form a network which ultimately becomes the rete testis.
The tubuli seminiferi recti (also known as the tubuli recti, tubulus rectus, or straight seminiferous tubules) are structures in the testicle connecting the convoluted region of the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis, although the tubuli recti have a different appearance distinguishing them from these two structures.
The tunica albuginea is a dense, [1] [2] blue-white [3] layer of fibrous tissue surrounding the testis. [1] [4] It is the middle of three envelopes forming the capsule of the testis; it is deep to the visceral layer of tunica vaginalis, and superficial to the tunica vasculosa testis (vascular layer of testis).