Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations of the structure of the re
te testis (RT) of guinea pigs preceded by and complemented with stereomicro
scopy and light-microscopic studies showed that the RT of this species is p
redominantly cavitary. An axial and labyrinth-like morphological pattern wa
s also observed in the RT complex, with partially interconnected chambers a
nd epithelium-lined channels accompanying a connective axis observed in the
middle portion of the cranial end of the testis. Characteristics of the ch
ordae retis and bullae retis were also visualized in the guinea pig RT and
the results are discussed in terms of the morphological patterns observed i
n the RT of ether mammals and of man.