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Glite Dictionary
rete testis

rete testis

9.6
A group of small tubes in the testicle that carry sperm from where it is made to the sperm ducts
  • noun
  • /ˈriːti ˈtɛstɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : rete testis
  • Blockage in the rete testis can cause reduced fertility due to impaired sperm transport.

Examples

  • The seminiferous tubules converge into the rete testis before leading to the vasa efferentia.

  • During dissection, the rete testis was carefully examined to trace the pathway of sperm.

  • The rete testis is crucial for sperm transport.

  • In humans, the rete testis connects to the vasa efferentia.

  • Blockage in the rete testis can cause reduced fertility due to impaired sperm transport.

  • During dissection, the rete testis was carefully examined to trace the pathway of sperm.

  • The seminiferous tubules converge into the rete testis before leading to the vasa efferentia.

Surface Forms

rete testis singular
rete testes plural

Morphology

rete + testis

The compound meaning 'a network in the testis' is directly and compositionally derived from 'rete' (network) + 'testis' (testis). While the precise anatomical function (specific tubules carrying sperm) is technical, the basic notion of a network located in the testis is transparent to a learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Rete testis comes from Latin: rete means 'net' and testis means 'testicle'. The name pictures a net of small tubes inside the testicle that carry sperm, so today it refers to that net-like system which moves sperm through the testis.