The zone of mature spermatozoa in the testis of Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela)
Bergmann, M.; Schindelmeiser, J.; Greven, H.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 96(2): 221-234
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 7113338 Document Number: 188616
The zone of mature spermatozoa in the testis of the European fire salamander, S. salamandra consists of numerous lobules embedded in a vascularized connective tissue. Most of the lobule boundary cells show features of SH-secreting cells (an increased amount of smooth ER , globular mitochondria with tubular cristae), while others retain a fibrocytic appearance. The mature spermatozoa within the lobules seem to be at least partly phagocytized and digested by the often highly vacuolized Sertoli cells. Lobules open into efferent ductules lined by a monolayered epithelium, whose cells are highly interdigitated.The capillaries of the interlobular connective tissue possess enlarged luminal and basal surfaces.