The Form and Function of the Testicular Rete Mirabile of Marsupials
R. W. L. HEDDLE and ERIC R. GUILER
Departments of Anatomy and Zoology, University of Tasmania, Box 252C, G.P.O., Hobart, Tasmania 7001
ABSTRACT
1. Lymphatic vessels were found in the testicular rete mirabile of Sarcophilus and Macropus.
2. The larger species within each family have a greater number of testicular vessels.
3. Habitually upright species have more retial vessels than quadrupeds.
4. Larger species within each family have a lowerbody temperature.
5. The form of the rete and cremaster muscle suggests a pumping function for this complex.