Epididymis and sperm storage

This slide is shown under very low power. The piece of tissue on the right side is the testis, and the larger piece at the left is the epididymis. Examine the epididymis under higher power (mid-magnification) and notice that it consists of a number of tubes.  In the high magnification image, you will see that the tubes are lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Within the tubules you will see sections through many closely packed sperm. Sperm are stored in the epididymis and undergo final maturation here.

Mammalian sperm

Observe the general shape of the sperm. Though not labeled, you should be able to distinguish the head and the slender tail. It may not be possible for you to distinguish the midpiece. You will not be able to see internal features.

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