The fine structure of the efferent ductules of the duct of the epididymis of some Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo)
Azzali, G.; Gatti, R.; Romita, G.
Acta Bio-Medica de l'Ateneo Parmense 54(2): 67-83
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-4203 PMID: 6225286 Document Number: 206481
The fine structure of the epithelium lining the ductuli efferentes and the ductus epididymis of Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo) has been investigated. The epithelium of ductuli efferentes is composed of two cell types: principal and ciliated cells, while the ductus epididymis shows four cell types: principal, clear, basal cells and lymphocytes. Cytological differences in principal and clear cells are described, which allow to subdivide epididymis into three regions: head, body and tail. It has also been possible to recognize in these cells both an absorbing and a synthetic function. Cytological features of principal and clear cells in relation to epididymis' function of spermatidic maturation are discussed.