PRACTICAL WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Male Reproductive System

Slide 123. Epididymis.

Staining: hematoxylin and eosin.

Magnification: x80.

At low magnification, cross-sections of tubules embedded in loose Connective Tissue are visible. Some tubules appear oval, while others have a larger diameter and a wide, even lumen contour.

The former represent the efferent ductules of the HEAD of the Epididymis (1). The uneven contour of their lumen is due to the epithelium containing tall ciliated columnar Cells with stereocilia, which alternate with low cuboidal basal cells. This forms the mucosal layer (2). The muscular layer (3) of these ductules is composed of circular bundles of smooth myocytes. The adventitial layer (4) consists of loose connective tissue.

The latter, wider tubules are sections of the highly convoluted duct of the epididymis (5). The epithelium of the epididymal duct is pseudostratified columnar, featuring tall prismatic cells with basally located nuclei. Their apical surface bears long stereocilia. Spermatozoa (6) are frequently observed in the lumen.

The muscular layer (7) consists of circular bundles of smooth myocytes, whereas the adventitial layer (8) is composed of loose connective tissue.

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Slide 123. Epididymis.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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