sperm. Sertoli cells support and protect developing spermatogenic cells through nourishment and phagocytosis of wastes. They are also responsible for hormone production of inhibin and regulate the effects of testosterone and FSH. In spaces between the seminiferous tubules are clusters of cells called Leydig cells , which secrete testosterone.
The testes descend into the scrotum from the abdominal cavity via the inguinal canal.
The testes are suspended by a fold of peritoneum, mesorchium and enclosed by the vaginal tunic. Deep to the visceral vaginal tunic is a thick fibrous connective tissue capsule called the tunica albuginea.
Epididymis - The epididymis is a passage for spermatozoa. Maturation, mobility & storage of sperm occurs in the epididymis until ejaculation.
The head and body of the epididymis are attached to the dorsolateral surface of the testicle. The large rounded tail of the epididymis lies on the caudal extremity of the testicle where it is continued as the ductus deferens.
Ductus Deferens – The thick muscular ductus deferens is an extension of the epididymis tail. It is about 1 cm in diameter. It passes along the medial side of the epidiymal border of the testicle and joins the mass of testicular vessels to form the spermatic cord. It continues through the inguinal canal, up to the pelvic part of the urethra and opens at the ejaculatory orifice inside the urethra. *Enclosed in the vaginal tunic the spermatic cord crosses the lateral surface of the penis and ascends towards the superficial inguinal ring, passes through the inguinal canal and ends at the vaginal ring. The spermatic cord contains the testicular artery & veins, ductus deferens, lymph vessels, nerves & the external cremaster muscle. It is surrounded by the parietal layer of the vaginal tunic. *
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