Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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 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]
In the testis, the seminiferous tubules converge to form the rete testes, which is located in the mediastinum testis. The rete testis connects to the epididymal head via the efferent ductules. The epididymis is located posterolateral to the testis and measures 6–7 cm in length.
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.
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).
Spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst that develops in the epididymis. [3] The fluid is usually a clear or milky white color and may contain sperm. [4] Spermatoceles are typically filled with spermatozoa [5] and they can vary in size from several millimeters to many centimeters.
They differ in size according to their position, those in the middle of the gland being larger and longer. The lobules are conical in shape, the base being directed toward the circumference of the organ, the apex toward the mediastinum 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.