Smooth muscle cells in the testicular capsule of the horse, pig and sheep.
Abstract: Smooth muscle cells are present in the tunica albuginea testis of the horse, pig and sheep. typical fusiform muscle cells constitute a distinct layer up to 0.3 micrometer thick in the horse; there are fewer muscle cells, mainly of the branched form, in the pig; whereas in the sheep the muscle component is least well developed, with some cells intermediate in form between smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts (myofibroblasts). Attention is drawn to the continuity of this capsular muscle with the smooth muscle associated with the vasculature of the spermatic cord in the horse. This association suggests that the capsular muscle is unlikely to have a primary role in sperm transport from the testis.
Publication Date: 1980-09-01 PubMed ID: 7462095PubMed Central: PMC1233267
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article explores the presence and structure of smooth muscle cells in the testicular capsule of horses, pigs, and sheep. The researchers suggest that the muscle layers may not primarily be associated with sperm transport from the testis.
Smooth Muscle Cells in Animal Testis
The article focuses on the role of smooth muscle cells found in the tunica albuginea testis – the outermost layer encompassing the testis – of three different animal species: horse, pig, and sheep.
- The researchers found that in horses, typical fusiform (spindle-shaped) muscle cells form a distinct layer up to 0.3 micrometers thick. This layer was the most significant among the three species.
- In pigs, there were fewer muscle cells, and they commonly existed in a branch-like formation rather than the fusiform structure found in horses.
- In sheep, the muscle component was less developed, with some cells having an intermediary form between normal smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, which are connective tissue cells.
Suggested Function of the Capsular Muscle
The research shines a spotlight on the connection between the capsular muscle in horses and the smooth muscle that exists alongside the vasculature of the spermatic cord – the structure responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles. This correlation suggests that the primary function of the capsular muscle is unlikely to be sperm transport from the testis due to its direct association with the vasculature.
Implications and Potential Future Research
The study provides a baseline understanding of the structure and potential role of smooth muscle cells in the testicular capsule of different species. The variability in muscle layer development and the suggested non-role in sperm transport brings forth a need for further research. Understanding these structures can provide crucial insights into reproductive biology and potential areas of veterinary intervention in these species.
Cite This Article
APA
Chacon-Arellano JT, Woolley DM.
(1980).
Smooth muscle cells in the testicular capsule of the horse, pig and sheep.
J Anat, 131(Pt 2), 263-273.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Muscle, Smooth / ultrastructure
- Sheep / anatomy & histology
- Spermatic Cord / anatomy & histology
- Swine / anatomy & histology
- Testis / ultrastructure
References
This article includes 20 references
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