Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Testes
2026 Jan
Abstract
The testes are male sex glands that have both an endocrine and exocrine function. The testes are oval-shaped reproductive structures that are found in the scrotum and separated by the scrotal septum. The testes are bean-shaped, measuring 3 cm by 5 cm in length and 2 cm to 3 cm in width. When palpated through the scrotum, the testes are smooth and soft. The spermatic cord suspends the superior aspect of the testes. At the inferior end, the testes are attached to the scrotum by the scrotal ligament, which is a remnant of the gubernaculum. In general, the left testis is affixed slightly lower than the right testis. The double-layered tunica vaginalis envelops the testes except at the posterior and superior borders, where the epididymis and spermatic cord are attached. The visceral or inner layer of the tunica vaginalis is close to the epididymis, testes, and vas deferens. On the posterior lateral surface of the testes, there is a small space between the testes and the body of the epididymis, which is known as the sinus of the epididymis. Deep to the tunica vaginalis is located the tunica albuginea, which is a durable fibrous covering of the testes. The epididymis is a small, curved, elongated structure that is highly convoluted and tightly compressed. When open in a straight line, its length is estimated at about 20 feet. The epididymis is found on the posterior border of the testis and consists of 3 parts, which include the head (caput), body (corpus), and tail (Cauda). The head of the epididymis lies at the upper pole of the testes and receives seminal fluid from the ducts of the testis. It then permits passage of sperm into the distal portion of the epididymis. Because of its length, the epididymal ducts have ample space for storage and maturation of sperm. The testes of Drosophila melanogaster provide an important model for the study of stem cell maintenance and differentiation, meiosis, and soma-germline interactions. Testes are typically isolated from adult males 0-3 days after eclosion from the pupal case. The testes of wild-type flies are easily distinguished from other tissues because they are yellow, but the testes of white mutant flies, a common genetic background for laboratory experiments are similar in both shape and color to the fly gut. Performing dissection on a glass microscope slide with a black background makes identifying the testes considerably easier. Testes are removed from the flies using dissecting needles. Compared to protocols that use forceps for testes dissection, our method is far quicker, allowing a well-practiced individual to dissect testes from 200-300 wild-type flies per hour, yielding 400-600 testes. Testes from white flies or from mutants that reduce testes size are harder to dissect and typically yield 200-400 testes per hour.
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