rete testis

The rete testis is a network of tubules within the testes that collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules. These seminiferous tubules are where sperm production, or spermatogenesis, occurs. In some vertebrates, like frogs, the seminiferous tubules are coiled tubes whose walls contain sperm-producing cells and Sertoli cells, which nourish developing sperm. These tubules may lead toward the center of the testis to empty into the rete testis. In other species, such as some mammals, the tubules may be open-ended, running a zigzag course from the rete testis to the periphery and back again. The rete testis then transports the sperm to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored.12