Anuran Testis

 

primary spermatogoniumprimary spermatogoniumfollicle cellsfollicle cellsfollicle cellsprimary spermatogoniumgerminal cyst (nest)follicle cellmedullary sex chord cells

 

This photo consists of primary spermatogonia surrounded by follicle cells which form the walls of the germinal cyst (Lofts, 1974). It is the tesis of a Rana pipiens tadpole at stage 42 (Lofts, 1974).

The are three different ways in which a Rana pipiens testis may undergo differentiation:

Differentiated testes

 

Semi-differentiated testes

primary oocyte primary oocyteenlarged luminaenlarged lamina
Semi-differentiated male leopard frog stage 42 (~96days post hatch). Note: young oocyte embedded within seemingly normal developing right testis.(X600) The left testis of the same individual. Note: the large lumina may suggest that more oocytes were present but have degradded since. (X600)

 

 

Lofts, B. Physiology of the amphibia (volume 2) Chapter 3. Reproduction. Academic Press, New York, 1974 pp107-218.

Last Updated: March 27, 2002 9:37 PM