Morphometry and gross anatomy of testis and epididymis of Mandya ram (Ovis aries)

Abstract

The present study examined the six pair of testes of Mandya breed ram for the morphometric and gross characteristics and the samples were collected from six animals at local slaughterhouses in and around Bandur village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka. The paired testicles were found to be large and vertically situated cranial to the inguinal region and were suspended within the scrotum by spermatic cords. Morphologically, the testes were irregularly elliptical to oval in shape, with a convex and smooth lateral surface was enveloped by the tunica vaginalis. The medial surface was slightly flattened due to contact with the scrotal septum. The cranial border was convex and free, while the caudal border attached to the epididymis. The epididymis was elongated, curved, and closely adhered to the posterior border of the testis. Epididymis is divided into three parts: the head, body, and tail. The head was located dorsally and is irregular and flat, while the body runs caudo-medially and ends in a rounded tail of the epididymis. The tail of the epididymis continues as the ductus deferens. Both the proper ligament of the testis and the ligament of the tail of the epididymis are prominently developed. This study provides valuable insights into the anatomy of the testes and epididymis of Mandya breed ram.