The epididymal region of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The epididymal region of the Japanese quail was studied histologically. The organ consists of the extratesticular portion of the rete testis, the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales, the ducti conjugentes and ductus epididymidis. Distinct tubuli recti link the seminiferous tubules with the rete testis. The non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales show, between them, certain internal structural differences which were highlighted. In 40% of the birds, the ductus deferens showed dark-grey pigments, regarded as melanin. The epididymal region was generally similar in structure to that of the domestic fowl, turkey and duck.