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Basics Upper limb Lower limb Spine and back Thorax Abdomen Pelvis and perineum Head and neck Neuroanatomy Cross sections Radiological anatomy
Histology
Types of tissues
ArticlesAnatomyPelvis and perineumMale pelvis and reproductive organsRete testis
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ArticlesAnatomyPelvis and perineumMale pelvis and reproductive organsRete testis

Rete testis

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Rete testis
1/2
Synonyms: none

The rete testis is an interconnected network of small tubes located in the mediastinum of the testis. It contains sperm cells that travel from the testicle to the epididymis. 

The tubes from the rete testis originate from the seminiferous tubules. The seminiferous tubules are long and highly coiled channels that run from the periphery towards the mediastinum testis. Their epithelium consists of Sertoli cells that facilitate the maturation and differentiation of germ cells of mature spermatozoa.

Prior to entering the mediastinum, the channels transform into short and straight tubules called the tubuli recti. The tubuli recti are lined with cuboidal epithelium. Within the mediastinum, the tubuli recti anastomose and form the rete testis. The tubules from the rete testis are lined with simple squamous epithelium. 

Terminology English: Rete testis
Latin: Rete testis
Definition Interconnected network of tubes in the mediastinum testis. 
Function Transferring the sperm cells from the testicle to the epididymis

Learn everything about the anatomy of the testis with the following study unit: 

Testis and epididymis Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Frank H.Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
  • Chummy S.Sinnatamby: Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, 12th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
  • Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell WMA. Gray’s anatomy for students. 4th ed. 2020.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

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