492 



THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM 



chiefly occur between and at the base of the ruga 1 , and are frequently 

 arranged in small groups simulating minute secreting glands. These 

 clear cells have spheroidal nuclei and their cytoplasm is filled with large 

 coarse granules. They are quite characteristic of this portion of the 

 excretory tubules of the testis. The coni vasculosi form a considerable 



FIG. 437. SEVERAL COILS OF THE RABBIT'S EPIDIDYMIS IN TRANSECTION. 

 The lumen of the tubules contains groups of spermatozoa. Hematein and eosin. 

 Photo. X 178. 



portion of the globus major of the epididymis. The epithelium rests 

 upon a well-developed basement membrane, outside of which is a robust 

 layer of circularly disposed, smooth muscle cells with intermingled 

 elastic fibers. The nuclei of the lining cells can frequently be seen in 

 some stage of amitotic division. 



Epididymis. The ductus epididymis forms a long coiled tubule 

 whose convolutions, by their regular cylindrical form and their tall 

 ciliated epithelium, are sharply distinguished from those of the ductuli 



