Research Article

Effects of Photoperiod on Epididymal and Sperm Morphology in a Wild Rodent, the Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus)

Figure 7

Scanning electron micrograph of the epididymal cauda during the period of regression. (a) Low magnification image showing epididymal sections (asterisk) with reduced luminal diameter in relation to the observed during the active period. L: lumen. SEM: ×300. (b) In the epididymal lumen at higher magnification is observed low sperm content (sp) and abundant germ cells (g) detached. SEM: ×6000. (c) Semithin cut obtained in the same region of the epididymal cauda showing principal cells (P) and numerous clear cells (Cl) with lax and irregular nuclei (n). Note the low content of sperm (sp) in the lumen (L) and increased thickness of the lamina propria (Lp), in relation to the observed during the active period. s stereocilia. TB: ×1000.
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