This higher-magnification view of the rectangle in the bottom left figure shows part of the lumen (L) of the central adrenomedullary vein (AMV) at the bottom of the field. The tunica intima (TI ) of the vessel is relatively thin but may con tain a variable amount of connective tissue. The smooth muscle (SM) of the staining. In this photomicrograph, a portion of the wall, namely, the tunica media (TM ) of the central adrenomedullary vein, can be seen. The nature of the central adrenomedullary vein is described in lower left figure. The inset shows the ovoid groups of medullary cells at a higher magnification. Between these groups of cells are capillaries (Cap) that, as in the cortex, can be identified when they contain red blood cells as shown here.
Medulla, adrenal gland, human, H&E ×125.
This micrograph shows a central adrenomedullary vein (AMV ) that drains the adrenal medulla. The tunica media (TM) is unusually thick. The smooth muscle that constitutes this part of the vessel wall is in the form of bundles that are arranged longitudinally, that is, in the same direction as the vessel. Thus, the muscle seen here is cut in cross section, as is the vein. While the central adrenomedulary vein occupies most of the micrograph, medullary cells (MC) can be seen in several locations surrounding the vein. The portion of the figure outlined by the rectangle is seen at higher magnification in the bottom right figure.
tunica media (TM) is readily seen here as being arranged in bundles and appears in cross section. There is no discrete tunica adventitia in this vein. Instead, its connective tissue blends in with surrounding structures. Ganglion cells (GC) are frequently found in proximity to the wall of the central adrenomedullary vein. They are large cells with a moderately basophilic cytoplasm. Because of the large size of the cell, the nucleus is often missed in the section, and only the cell cytoplasm is seen.
PLATE 85KEY AMV, central adrenomedullary vein Cap, capillary GC, ganglion cells L, lumen of central adrenomedullary vein MC, medullary cells SM, smooth muscle TI, tunica intima TM, tunica media
OVERVIEW OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM / 784 TESTIS / 784 Gender Determination and Development of the Testis / 785 Structure of the Testis / 788 Leydig Cells / 789 SPERMATOGENESIS / 792 Spermatogonial Phase / 792 Spermatocyte Phase (Meiosis) / 793 Spermatid Phase (Spermiogenesis) / 794 Structure of the Mature Sperm / 796 SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES / 798 Cycle of the Seminiferous Epithelium / 798 Waves of the Seminiferous Epithelium / 798 Sertoli Cells / 800 INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS / 802 EXCURRENT DUCT SYSTEM / 803 Epididymis / 803 Ductus Deferens / 807 ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS / 808 PROSTATE GLAND / 808 Bulbourethral Glands / 812 SEMEN / 813 PENIS / 813 Folder 22.1 Functional Considerations: Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis / 788 Folder 22.2 Clinical Correlation: Factors Affecting Spermatogenesis / 789 Folder 22.3 Clinical Correlation: Sperm-Specific Antigens and the Immune Response / 803 Folder 22.4 Clinical Correlation: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and Cancer of the Prostate / 811 Folder 22.5 Clinical Correlation: Mechanism of Erection and Erectile Dysfunction / 815