Scanning electron microscopy of mechanically isolated seminiferous tubules of the rat testis.

The mechanically isolated seminiferous tubules of the rat testis were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The surface of the tubules is formed by lymphoid endothelial cells. These cells completely surround the seminiferous tubules and form the inner lining of the lymphatic space that lies around the seminiferous tubulus. Between the cells there are groves which correspond to the fenestrations seen in transmission electron microscopy.