Page 810 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 20.13 ■ Ductus (vas) deferens (transverse section). Stain: hematoxylin

and eosin. Low magnification.

FIGURE 20.14 | Ampulla of Ductus (Vas)

Deferens (Transverse Section)

The terminal portion of the ductus deferens enlarges into an ampulla that differs
from the ductus deferens in the structure of its mucosa.

The lumen (3) of the ampulla is larger than that of the ductus deferens. The
mucosa exhibits irregular, branching mucosal folds (4) and deep glandular

diverticula or crypts (1) located between the folds that extend to the
surrounding muscle layer. The secretory epithelium that lines the lumen (3) and
the glandular diverticula (1) is simple columnar or cuboidal. Below the
epithelium is the lamina propria (6).

The smooth muscle layers in the muscularis are similar to those in the ductus

deferens. These consist of a thin inner longitudinal muscle layer (7), a thick
middle circular muscle layer (8), and a thin outer longitudinal muscle layer
(9). Surrounding the ampulla is the connective tissue adventitia (5).

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