Abdomen and pelvis: ductus epididymis histology: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Abdomen and pelvis: ductus epididymis histology

Sample item

A scrotal biopsy shows a long, highly coiled tube lined by tall pseudostratified columnar cells bearing long non-motile stereocilia, surrounded by a thin circular layer of smooth muscle. Which structure is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ductus epididymis

The ductus epididymis has tall pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia that absorb testicular fluid, and only a thin circular muscle layer. The ductus deferens has a thick three-layered muscle coat. The ductuli efferentes have a scalloped lumen with alternating tall ciliated and low absorptive cells.

Option by option

  • A. Rete testis

    The rete testis is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium.

  • B. Ductus deferens

    The ductus deferens has a very thick muscular wall of three layers.

  • C. Ductuli efferentes

    The ductuli efferentes show alternating tall and short cells giving a scalloped outline.

  • D. Ductus epididymis (correct)

    Correct. Stereocilia with a thin circular muscle coat fit the ductus epididymis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Ductus epididymis. The ductus epididymis has tall pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia that absorb testicular fluid, and only a thin circular muscle layer.

Why is "Rete testis" not the answer?

The rete testis is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium.

Why is "Ductus deferens" not the answer?

The ductus deferens has a very thick muscular wall of three layers.

Why is "Ductuli efferentes" not the answer?

The ductuli efferentes show alternating tall and short cells giving a scalloped outline.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen and pelvis: ductus epididymis histology in Anatomy. The ductus deferens has a thick three-layered muscle coat. The ductuli efferentes have a scalloped lumen with alternating tall ciliated and low absorptive cells.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Abdomen and pelvis: ductus epididymis histology?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.