A scanning electron microscopic study of the rete testis of the guinea pig

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.