Page 809 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 20.12 ■ Tubules of the ductus epididymis (transverse section). Stain:

hematoxylin and eosin (plastic section). ×50.

FIGURE 20.13 | Ductus (Vas) Deferens

(Transverse Section)

The ductus (vas) deferens exhibits a narrow and irregular lumen with
longitudinal mucosal folds (6), a thin mucosa, a thick muscularis, and an
adventitia.

The lumen of the ductus deferens is lined with a pseudostratified columnar
epithelium (8) with stereocilia. The epithelium of the ductus deferens is lower
than in the ductus epididymis. The underlying thin lamina propria (7) consists
of compact collagen fibers and a network of elastic fibers.

The thick muscularis consists of three smooth muscle layers: a thinner inner

longitudinal layer (1), a thick middle circular layer (2), and a thinner outer
longitudinal layer (3). The muscularis is surrounded by adventitia (5) in which
are found abundant blood vessels (venule and arteriole) (4) and nerves. The
adventitia (5) of the ductus deferens merges with the connective tissue of the

spermatic cord.

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