The Herpetological Journal

pp.102- 106

Authors: R. J. Rao

Abstract: The intrinsic nerve supply of the male reproductive system of Trionyx gangeticus has been studied by histological and histochemical methods. Thin nerve fibres penetrate the tunica propria and enter the cellular portion of the seminiferous tubule. Some nerve fibres are also associated with blood vessels and interstitial cells. Nerve endings are observed in close association with interstitial cells. The functional relationship of the nerve supply to interstitial cells is discussed. The nerve supply of the testis differs along with the changes that occur in the testis. During the breeding season, no clear-cut asssociation of nerve fibres, either with vessels or with Leydig cells, could be established. Acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibres are present in the testes surrounding each seminiferous tubule. Cholinesterase activity is mainly restricted to the intertubular space. The epididymis and vas deferens contain few nerve fibres and the density of innervation differs in different regions of the spermatic duct is discussed.