Therete testis(/ˈriːtiˈtɛstɪs/REE-teeTES-tis;pl.:retia testes) is ananastomosingnetwork of delicatetubuleslocated in the hilum of thetesticle(mediastinum testis) that carriesspermfrom theseminiferous tubulesto theefferent ducts.It is thehomologueof therete ovariiin females.[1]Its function is to provide a site for fluid reabsorption.
| Rete testis | |
|---|---|
 Position of the rete testis within the testicle | |
 | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Wolffian duct |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | rete testis |
| MeSH | D012152 |
| TA98 | A09.3.01.024 |
| TA2 | 3601 |
| FMA | 19834 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Structure
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The rete testis is the network of interconnecting tubules where thestraight seminiferous tubules(the terminal part of theseminiferous tubules) empty. It is located within a highly vascularconnective tissuein themediastinum testis.[2]Theepithelial cellsform a single layer that lines the inner surface of the tubules. These cells arecuboidal,withmicrovilliand a singleciliumon their surface.[3]
Development
editIn thedevelopment of the urinary and reproductive organs,thetestisis developed in much the same way as theovary,originating frommesotheliumas well asmesonephros.Like the ovary, in its earliest stages it consists of a central mass covered by a surface epithelium. In the central mass, a series of cords appear. These cords run together toward the futurehilumand form a network that ultimately becomes the rete testis.
Function
editIt appears the function of the rete testis is to mix the sperm as they leave the seminiferous tubules. Sperm leave the seminiferous tubules in the dilute secretions of Sertoli cells. The rete testis does modify the luminal fluids with a limited amount of secretion and reabsorption, but their primary function is to mix and transport the sperm into the efferent ductules, where the major function is reabsorption of about 95% of the fluid, which increases the sperm concentration prior to entering the epididymis.
Clinical significance
editRete tubular ectasiais a disorder of the rete testis characterized by multiple benigncysts.
Etymology
editEnglish uses theNeo-Latinname for the structure, which simply means "networkof thetestis".
Additional images
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Vertical section of thetestis,to show the arrangement of the ducts. -
Micrograph of the rete testis involved by seminoma. H&E stain. -
Tubular ectasia of the rete testis
References
edit- ^Definition: Rete testis from Online Medical Dictionary
- ^Ross, M.; Pawlina, W. (2011).Histology: A Text and Atlas(6th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 802.ISBN978-0-7817-7200-6.
- ^Young, B.; Woodford, P.; O'Dowd, G. (2013).Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas(6th ed.). Elsevier. p. 344.ISBN978-0702047473.
External links
edit- Image at UC DavisArchived2006-04-09 at theWayback Machine
- DiagramArchived2016-03-04 at theWayback Machine
- Diagram
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