Histomorphological Investigations on Male Accessory Genital Glands of Merino Rams

This study aimed to analyze the histomorphological features of the male accessory genital glands (glandulae genitales accessoriae) in Merino sheep. For this purpose, accessory glands (ampulla ductus deferentis, glandula vesicularis, prostata, and glandula bulbourethralis) were collected from 14 male Merino sheep aged 1.5-2 years and weighing 35.1±1.5 kg. The glands were examined macroscopically, and morphometric measurements, including length, width, and thickness, were performed using a digital caliper. For histological analysis, tissue samples were processed through routine histological procedures, and 6-7 μm thick serial sections were prepared and stained with Mallory’s triple staining technique. Sections were examined under an Olympus DP71 research microscope. Morphometric analysis revealed that the ampulla ductus deferentis formed a terminal enlargement. The glandula vesicularis was located caudalto the collum vesicae urinaria in the dorso-lateral aspect of the pelvic urethra. The prostate consisted solely of the pars disseminata and was diffusely distributed within the urethral wall. The glandula bulbourethralis was observed as a paired oval structure at the terminal portion of the pelvic urethra. Histological examination showed that the glandula vesicularis was composed of highly branched tubuloalveolar glands lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The ampulla ductus deferentis tunica mucosa exhibited a pseudostratified columnar epithelium, while the prostate contained tubuloalveolar glands within the urethral propria lined by simple columnar epithelium. In conclusion, although some species-specific differences were observed, the histological andanatomical features of the male accessory genital glands in Merino sheep are generally consistent with those reported in other ruminant species.