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Reproductive System
Testis Leydig Cells 100X
The steroid-secreting interstitial cells of Leydig (arrows) are found in small clumps in the peritubular connective tissue (CT) which surrounds the seminiferous tubules (St). Leydig cells secrete testosterone and small amounts of other androgens. High concentrations of testosterone in the seminiferous tubules are required for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and the maturation of sperm. Immature spermatozoa are visible within the tubule lumens.
Seminal Vesicle Mucosal Folds 100X
 The paired, highly folded seminal vesicles lie on the posterior wall of the urinary bladder. The figure illustrates the extensively branched and highly convoluted nature of the organ’s mucosa. Darkly stained cell nuclei and orange bands of connective tissue delineate the mucosal folds (boxed area) that are lined with secretory pseudostratified columnar cells. The folds are actually interconnected depressions which open into the vesicle lumen. Fibroblast nuclei can be seen in the relatively thick band of connective tissue (CT) on the bottom of the micrograph.
Prostate Tuboalveolar Glands Young Adult Male 400X
At a higher magnification, portions of two active tuboalveolar glands of the prostate gland are present in the micrograph. Pseudostratified columnar to cuboidal cells line the gland lumens. These secretory cells contribute citric acid, acid phosphatase, fibrinolysin, hyaluridase, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to the semen. The gland lumens in this section do not contain secretion, although some cellular debris is present. The glands are separated by orange stained fibroelastic connective tissue (arrow).
Penis Urethral Glands 100X
Urethral glands of Littre (red arrows) are scattered in the erectile tissue (green arrow) of the corpus spongiosum that surrounds the urethra. These mucus-secreting glands empty into the penile urethra. Close observation of the lining of the vascular spaces (asterisks) reveals darkly stained nuclei of endothelial cells. Ovarian Follicles 40X
The cortex of the ovary contains numerous ovarian follicles (blue arrows), each containing a single, immature egg called an oocyte. The larger follicles are in more advanced stages of maturation. The mature Graafian follicle contains a mature oocyte (pink arrow). Ovary Corpus Luteum 100X
 Following changes described for the corpus hemorrhagicum, the cells of the granulosa and theca interna layers dramatically change their morphological character to become luteal cells. Granulosa cells become granulosum lutein cells (GLc) and remain in a highly vascularized central location in the corpus luteum. Theca interna cells become theca lutein cells (TLc) and are found around the perimeter and in the folds created by the granulosa lutein cells. Under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, estrogens, relaxin, and inhibin until it degenerates and turns into a white scar of fibrous tissue called the corpus albicans. Uterine Wall Dog 40X
 The section shows the full thickness of the uterine wall of a dog which is composed of three layers. The innermost layer is the endometrium or mucosa (Em). This layer lines the uterine cavity and is sloughed off monthly creating the menstrual flow. The myometrium (Mm) is the thick middle layer with smooth muscle fibers oriented in various directions. The outermost layer, the perimetrium or serosa (yellow arrow), is continuous with the abdominal and pelvic peritoneum and covers the uterus. Uterine glands (green arrows) are present in the connective tissue of the lamina propria of the endometrium. Blood vessels and lymphatics (red arrows) are present in the myometrium. The endometrium and myometrium undergo monthly changes which prepares the uterus for implantation of an embryo. Endometrium Secretory Phase 100X
 At a higher magnification, sacculations or out-pouchings (arrows) containing secretion are visible in the uterine glands (Ug) of the endometrium in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Close observation reveals clear, fluid-filled spaces between many of the cells in the stroma. Accumulation of fluid in the cellular stroma causes the endometrium to become edematous and thicken. Diffuse lymphatic tissue, composed mostly of lymphocytes, is present in the stroma. Vaginal Mucosa 40X
 The vaginal mucosa consists of glycogen-rich, nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium (Ep) and the underlying connective tissue layer of the lamina propria (Lp). The wavy appearance of the epithelium-lamina interface is due to connective tissue papillae (blue arrows) of the lamina projecting into the epithelium. Basal epithelial cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils create the dark, irregular line (yellow arrow) that separates the epithelium from the lamina. Blood vessels (red arrows) are present in the lamina. Mammary Gland-Active 400X
 The micrograph exhibits contractile myoepithelial cells (arrows) that are associated with the secretory cells of the alveoli in an active mammary gland. Myoepithelial cells are located between the alveolar cells and the surrounding connective tissue (CT). Their nuclei appear flattened and somewhat elongate. They aid in the discharge of secretion from the alveoli. Large lipid droplets (asterisks) are present in the glandular secretion.
OTHER IMAGES AVAILABLE WITH THE BOOK AND CD-ROM
Seminiferous Tubules 40X
Seminiferous Tubule Spermatogenesis 400X 2 Images
Epididymis Monkey 40X 100X
Ductus(Vas) Deferens Cat 100X 400X
Seminal Vesicle Mucosal Folds 400X
Prostate Tuboalveolar Glands Younger Adult Male 100X
Prostate Tuboalveolar Gland Older Man 100X
Penis Penile(Spongy) Urethra 40X
Penis Corpus Spongiosum 100X
Penis Corpus Albuginea-Corpus Cavernosum Interface 40X
Ovary Tunica Albuginea + Cortex 100X
Primordial Follicles + Primary Oocytes Cat 100X 400X
Early Primary Follicle 400X
Late Primary Follicle 400X
Secondary Follicle 100X
Secondary(Graafian) Follicle 100X
Ovary Corpus Hemorrhagicum 100X
Ovary Corpus Albicans(Developing) 40X
Fallopian Tube(Oviduct) Fimbriae Infundibulum Region 40X 100X
Endometrium Proliferative(Follicular) Phase Monkey 100X 2 Images
Endometrium Secretory(Luteal) Phase 40X
Vagina Epithelium-Lamina Propria Interface 100X
Mammary Gland Inactive 100X
Mammary Gland Active 40X
Mammary Gland Active 400X
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