The bovine ejaculatory duct is lined by a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Two cell types are present: small basal cells and columnar principal cells in different functional states. The basal cells are able to accumulate lipid material. The principal cells are observed in a less active state and in a state of either increased endocytosis and fluid uptake or active spermiophagy. Endocytotically active cells are characterized by an apical brush border and a system of micro vesicles, multivesicular bodies and lysosomal dense bodies. Cells involved in phagocytosis of spermatozoa are mostly provided with a smooth apical border, an expanded Golgi apparatus, many phagocytic vacuoles and condensing phagolysosomes.
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