THE 3-DIMENSIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE MYOSALPINX IN THE SHEEP AS REVEALED BY SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

The three-dimensional (3-D) architecture of the myosalpinx in the shee p was studied by scanning electron microscopy after the removal of int erstitial connective tissue with NaOH digestion, In the extramural por tion of the tubo-uterine junction, the myosalpynx is made up of densel y packed, circularly arranged superficial fibers and of innermost loos e fiber bundles following an almost longitudinal course, In the isthmu s and ampulla, the myosalpinx is constituted by oblique bundles of var iable length, which run around the tube and merge into the surrounding musculature, giving rise to a plexiform arrangement, The present 3-D observations demonstrate that the sheep myosalpinx consists mainly of single muscular fibers and more complex bundles which show a multiple spatial arrangement and a plexiform distribution, Such a muscular arch itecture is more likely suited for stirring rather than pushing the em bryos and gametes through the tube.