Ductus deferens (40X)

This is a cross-section of the ductus deferens (vas deferens, or sperm duct). The lumen is relatively small and lined by a purple-staining epithelium. Surrounding the epithelium is a lightly pink-stained layer known as the lamina propria. Encircling this is a thick, darker-staining layer of smooth muscle, referred to as the tunica muscularis. The outermost layer consists of connective tissue and is called the tunica adventitia.