Retained sponges in abdomen: an analysis of the judgments of the Italian Supreme Court.

The administration of justice in Italy includes first, second and third instance. The first and second instances are represented by the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal: these are judgment of Romamerit. The court of last appeal for both the civil and the criminal jurisdiction is the Court of Cassation, the Italian Supreme Court. It is a court of legitimacy that should provide for a consistent and uniform interpretation of the law and that only on points of law, not on factual evidence. The Court of Cassation can confirm the sentence of second instance, can dismiss it without referral, can deciding and closing the trial definitively, or dismiss it referring the case to the judge of merit that must decide according to the principles set out in the legitimacy. The aim of this study is to analyze the Supreme Cassation Court's judgments on the legal proceedings about retained sponges in abdomen.

Pulmonary congenital cystic disease in adults. Spiral computed tomography findings with pathologic correlation and management.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the computed tomography (CT) features of intrapulmonary congenital cystic diseases in adults and to correlate the imaging features with the pathological findings, with emphasis on the oncogenic potential of the lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the CT scans in three institutions from August 1996 to December 2008, of nine patients (six men, three women; mean age 48.6 years; range 26-75 years) who had histological diagnosis of pulmonary cystic disease after surgery. Six patients had a diagnosis of intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst (IBC), and three had a type-I cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM). In one case, intralobar sequestration (ILS) was associated with type-I CAM. RESULTS: Three patients were symptomatic and six were asymptomatic. On CT scans, IBCs showed homogeneous fluid attenuation (n=2), air-fluid level (n=2), air attenuation (n=1) or soft-tissue attenuation (n=1). The surrounding lung tissue showed areas of band-like linear attenuation in three IBCs, atelectasia in two and mucocele-like areas in one. On CT, type-I CAM appeared as a unilocular cystic lesion with air-fluid level (n=1) or air content (n=1). Both cases had thin walls surrounded by normal lung parenchyma. ILS appeared as a fluid-filled cyst with afferent and efferent vessels. Of the six IBCs, one occurred in the upper right lobe, two in the middle lobe and three in the lower right lobe. Of the three type-I CAMs, one was in the upper left lobe and one in the middle lobe. The type-I CAM associated with ILS was located in the left lower lobe. CONCLUSIONS: The similar CT patterns preclude differentiation between IBC and type-I CAM. Surgical resection of all intrapulmonary cystic lesions detected in adults is mandatory because type-I CAM is a precursor of mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

Small (< or = 2 cm) atypical hepatic haemangiomas in the non-cirrhotic patient: pattern-based classification scheme for enhancement at triple-phase helical CT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine by triplephase helical computed tomography (CT) the appearance of atypical small (< or = 2 cm) hepatic haemangiomas (HHs) in the non-cirrhotic patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the hepatic arterial-dominant phase (HAP), portal venous phase (PVP) and delayed-phase (DP) helical CT images of 47 patients with 52 atypical small (< or = 2 cm) HHs associated with 34 typical small HHs. Images were assessed to identify the patterns of enhancement of atypical HHs and correlate their appearance with that of typical small HHs in the delayed phase. Interobserver variability and kappa value were calculated. Statistical significance was calculated by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The 52 atypical small HHs were categorised as follows: type 1a (hyperattenuating in the HAP, n=17), type 1b [hyperattenuating with transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) around the lesion in the HAP, n=12], type 2a (homogeneously hypoattenuating in the HAP or PVP, n=9), type 2b (hypoattenuating with "bright-dot" sign in the HAP or PVP, n=13) and type 3 (hypoattenuating with central enhancing area, n=1). Interobserver agreement was perfect for HHs of types 1a, 1b, 2a and 3. On DP images, the appearance of atypical small HHs was identical to that of typical small HHs in all cases (p<0.0001), with lesions showing homogeneous isoattenuation to the aorta or liver parenchyma without peripheral capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-phase helical CT scans can distinguish several types of atypical small HHs. The demonstration of patterns similar to those of typical forms on DP CT is fundamental for the diagnosis.

Loop ileostomy versus loop colostomy for fecal diversion after colorectal or coloanal anastomosis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-saving surgery for the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer has spread considerably when total mesorectal excision became standard treatment. In order to reduce leakage-related complications, surgeons often perform a derivative stoma, a loop ileostomy (LI), or a loop colostomy (LC), but to date, there is no evidence on which is the better technique to adopt. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials until 2007 and observational studies comparing temporary LI and LC for temporary decompression of colorectal and/or coloanal anastomoses. Clinically relevant events were grouped into four study outcomes: general outcome measures: dehydratation and wound infection GOM construction of the stoma outcome measures: parastomal hernia, stenosis, sepsis, prolapse, retraction, necrosis, and hemorrhage closure of the stoma outcome measures: anastomotic leak or fistula, wound infection COM, occlusion and hernia functioning of the stoma outcome measures: occlusion and skin irritation. RESULTS: Twelve comparative studies were included in this analysis, five randomized controlled trials and seven observational studies. Overall, the included studies reported on 1,529 patients, 894 (58.5%) undergoing defunctioning LI. LI reduced the risk of construction of the stoma outcome measure (odds ratio, OR = 0.47). Specifically, patients undergoing LI had a lower risk of prolapse (OR = 0.21) and sepsis (OR = 0.54). LI was associated with an excess risk of occlusion after stoma closure (OR = 2.13) and dehydratation (OR = 4.61). No other significant difference was found for outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our overview shows that LI is associated with a lower risk of construction of the stoma outcome measures.

A singular pancreatico-colic artery: anatomical report and clinical implications.

After dissection of the abdominal cavity of a 59-year-old male, a long artery, extending from the hepatic artery to the transverse colon, and comprised proximally within the neck of the pancreas and distally within the transverse mesocolon, has been detected. This "pancreato-colic" artery (P-C A) was 13 cm in length and 4 mm in diameter at the origin. Its mesocolic part (2.5 mm in diameter) contributed to the formation of the marginal arcade. No middle colic artery from the superior mesenteric was observed. Thus, the transverse colon was supplied by the distal part of the P-C A. Considering both the P-C A caliber and topography, attention should be paid during pancreatic resections and in the interposition of the transverse colon for esophageal replacement in order to avoid serious bleeding and necrosis. Embryologically, the proximal part of the P-C A might be regarded as an intrapancreatic variant of the tract of the longitudinal anastomosis between the ventral segmental arteries, persisting in the adult as dorsal pancreatic artery. Different from its usual retropancreatic location, this part might be entrapped inside the gland by the developing primitive pancreatic anlages. The distal, mesocolic, part of the P-C A might be regarded as a replacing middle colic artery into the dorsal mesentery during midgut rotation.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy. Preliminary results.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) combines a skin-sparing mastectomy with preservation of the Nipple Areola Complex (NAC), intraoperative pathological assessment of the nipple tissue core, and immediate reconstruction, thereby permitting better cosmesis for patients undergoing total mastectomy. Radiotherapy of the NAC was carried out in every single patient after surgery. The procedure was first performed on selected patients following a clinical research protocol. From January 2003 to June 2004, 10 patients underwent nipple sparing mastectomy followed by reconstruction (4 of them decided also to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy on the other breast) at the Breast Unit, Policlinico Monteluce, Perugia, Italy. Patients had been accurately selected before the operation following some criteria previously assessed by a team of specialists including the breast surgeon, the oncological physician, the radiotherapist and the plastic surgeon. Histology of the 10 NSMs confirmed invasive carcinoma in 3 cases and in situ carcinoma in the remainder. Superficial necrosis of the NAC that settled down spontaneously without consequences occurred in 2 cases; loss of sensitivity of the NAC in 4 patients; 1 patient developed haematoma. No asymmetry was reported. All women were clear of cancer after the treatment. Nipple-sparing mastectomy is the procedure of choice on selected patients.

Microscopical survey of the development and differentiation of the epithelium of the uterine tube and uterus in the human fetus.

The development and differentiation of the coelomic epithelium lining the paramesonephric ducts in human fetus, that gives rise to the female genital organs, have been ultrastructurally examined. The epithelium appeared pseudostratified, consisting of basal, microvillous and ciliated cells. In younger fetuses (12th gestational week) ciliogenic elements could be detected mainly on the developing tubal fimbriae, but most of the cells showed microvilli and often single cilia. In the subsequent phases of development, morphodynamics of cell renewal were documented by aspects of apoptosis. Fully ciliated cells were numerous on the fimbriae and at the utero-tubal junction, but not in the uterus; however, these were less abundant than those showing microvillous. In older fetuses (31st gestational week) microapocrine secretion by microvillous cells, in the form of droplets contacting cilia, could be observed. In the same fetuses the ectocervix was covered by a mature squamous epithelium, made up of polygonal flat desquamating cells, showing labyrinthine surface microplicae. Our observations demonstrated that ciliation in the human female genital organs, like that of other systems, is neither simultaneous nor uniform, and ciliated cells are gathered preferentially in strategic sites, to mediate germ cell migration and blastocyst implantation in adult life. These ultrastructural data seem to indicate that the female genital tract epithelium, at least in its general features, is sketched since fetal life, and cell morphodynamics, including microvillous and ciliated cell differentiation, as well as the secretory activity, are the morphological expression of the complex molecular mechanisms, involved in developmental biology and reproductive physiology.

Lateral costal artery: accessory thoracic vessel of clinical interest.

The lateral costal artery (LCA), a supernumerary branch of the internal thoracic artery (ITA), occurs in several ethnic groups on one side of the thorax or on both, in 15-30% of cases. It has been considered responsible for the "steal-syndrome" of the coronary blood after coronary artery bypass grafting and it used occasionally for myocardial revascularization. To clarify its functional significance, an interpretation based on our findings and human and comparative anatomy and embryology has been attempted. We report on a case where a right LCA of about 2 mm in caliber, rising from the ITA 2.5 cm below the subclavian, coursed as far as the 4th intercostal space for a distance of 13 cm after the anterior axillary line. Anastomosing with the intercostal arteries, it can act as a blood derivative circuit of the thoracic wall. Embryologically, this artery, like the normal parietal arteries of the trunk, might form a longitudinal channel connecting the intersegmental arteries. In mammals having a thoracic cage transversely restricted (quadrupeds), the ITA is more lateral than in primates having a circular thorax, and gives off a ventral branch toward the sternum. It might be hypothesized that the sternal branch occurring in quadrupeds, undergoing adaptation to the thoracic shape of primates, may become the main trunk of the ITA, whereas the LCA may be the remnant of the ITA of quadrupeds. Because the LCA ran partly along the "milk line" of humans, it might be regarded as a supernumerary mammary artery.

Unusual extended fibular origin of the human soleus muscle: possible morpho-physiologic significance based on comparative anatomy.

A bilateral anomalous extended origin of the soleus muscle was observed in a 73-year-old female cadaver. It arose from the head, neck, and proximal two-thirds of the medial crest of the fibula and ran through the posterior intermuscular septum of the leg, from the lateral border of the fibula. The soleus muscle formed the vault of a muscular tunnel, overcoming the deep flexor muscles of the leg that was about 15 cm in length and directed inferiorly and laterally. The extended fibular origin delimited a blind recess lateral to the muscular tunnel and parallel to the posterior surface of the fibula. This recess measured 6.5 cm in length and extended 3.5 cm above the inferior opening of the muscular tunnel; the superior portion of the flexor hallucis longus was housed within it between the portions of the extended origin from the medial crest of the fibula and posterior intermuscular septum. The neurovascular bundle of the posterior leg coursed in the muscular tunnel. The tibial origin and calcaneal insertion of the soleus muscle were normal. Phylogenetic studies of the muscles of the lower limbs in mammals indicate that the fibular origin of soleus is more constant than the tibial origin and, in primates, the fibular origin is the only one observed in most monkeys. The case reported might be considered a conspicuous enlargement of the fibular origin observed in primates. This large fibular origin of the soleus muscle may prove to be a difficulty during surgery when accessing the proximal two-thirds of the fibula for ligation of the peroneal artery.

[Rectosigmoid junction neoplasms: our experience]. / Le neoplasie della giunzione sigma-retto: esperienze personali.

The Authors report their experience with 25 patients operated for colorectal junction neoplasms from January 1998 to December 2002 in the Section of Oncological Surgery, at Perugia University. According to the international literature, the Authors maintain the absolute functional and anatomical individuality of this part of the large bowel, underlining the peculiarity of the sigmoidal junction neoplasms respect all the others colic sites regarding clinical manifestations, symptoms developing and biological behaviour. The characteristics seem also capable of changing the surgical choice as well as the prognosis of the disease.

Bifurcation of the left superior pulmonary vein, associated with an anomalous connection with the left atrium.

An unusual case of bifurcation of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) just before it enters the pericardium is described. The LSPV, which at the hilus of the lung originated from normal confluence of a superior and inferior root, bifurcated near the left atrium (LAt) of the heart into anterior (AB) and posterior (PB) branches that, separately invaginating the parietal pericardium, formed two individual serous sheaths. The PB coursed almost horizontally and opened, as usual, into the supero-dorsal wall of the LAt. The AB turned downward, reached the superior margin of the left auricle (LAu) and emptied into it. Thus, the AB was interposed between the pulmonary trunk and the LAt obstructing on the left side the communication between the transverse sinus of the pericardium and the pericardial cavity. The auricular opening of the AB was avalvular, but, unlike those of the normal pulmonary veins (PVs) which are surrounded by a large smooth inner surface, was, except for a narrow smooth-walled zone, close to the pectinate muscles. Moreover, an inferior muscular ridge at the inferior margin of its orifice of entrance into the LAu, separated it from the cavity of the LAt. It is well known that in development the PVs arise from convergence of capillaries belonging to the mediastinal part of the primitive splanchnic plexus and drain this into the systemic (cardinal and vitello-umbilical) veins of the embryo. As a consequence, it might be hypothesized that the AB of the LSPV probably represents a partial remnant either of a pulmonary-cardinal anastomotic mediastinal vein, or of a diverging vessel of the mediastinal plexus from which the PVs originate. In either case the AB became absorbed by the LAu, which, while it was developing on the left side of the primitive truncus arteriosus, drew the AB forward and downward, in the direction of its movement. The influence of such an anomaly of the PVs for altered intracardiac hemodynamics of the oxygenated blood flow has to be emphasized. Furthermore, the particular location of the AB, obstructing the communication between transverse sinus and pericardial cavity, can be a hindrance during cardio-pulmonary surgery.

An unusual peritoneal fossa: anatomic report and clinical implications.

The peritoneal fossae are usually related to rotation and adhesion of the abdominal viscera to the posterior abdominal wall during fetal development, and/or the presence of retroperitoneal vessels running just under the peritoneum and raising serosal folds. These fossae, therefore, are regarded as congenital and have been considered clinically and surgically as sites of internal abdominal hernias. The authors describe a peritoneal fossa interposed between the fourth portion of the duodenum and the abdominal aorta. Due to a scoliosis of the lumbar column, the abdominal aorta had shifted to the left of the duodenum, stretching two semilunar avascular peritoneal folds connecting the vessel with the ascending duodenum. These two folds bounded above and below an entrance into a fossa lined by the posterior parietal peritoneum and bordered by the fourth portion of the duodenum on the right and the aorta on the left. This recess extended as far as the anterior surface of the second and third lumbar vertebrae. On the basis of the anatomic findings, the authors suggest that acquired fossae, because of their size and topography, may play a part in the etiopathogenesis of internal abdominal hernias.

The fetal development of the human uterine cervix from the 12th to the 31st postmenstrual week as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Anatomical and clinical correlations.

To clarify the differentiation of the human uterine cervix, fetuses of the 12th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 31st postmenstrual week were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. At the 12th week the endocervical epithelium consisted of microvillous cells, often showing single cilia and anlages of tubular glands. At the 15th week the cervical canal was entirely formed and its surface cells appeared columnar. At the 18th week these cells were replaced by flat or slightly raised cells, provided with thin microplicae. At the 20th week the endocervical epithelium appeared pseudostratified with higher, apically-convex and shorter basal cells; glands developed in form of tubular invaginations of the luminal epithelium. At the 21st week in the lower part of the endocervix polymorphic, globose cells with short and stubby microvilli and others elongated, having short microplicae, were observed. These latter likely corresponded to the so-called columnar cells undergoing squamous metaplasia. Among microvillous and/or metaplastic cells, a number of apoptotic cells, as globose elements with a ruffled and invaginated surface, were also noted. At the 22nd week evident plicae palmatae were found, covered by microvillous secreting cells. These showed smooth bulged apices releasing droplets by a "micro-apocrine" mechanism. These features increased at the 31st week, when many droplets were noted also around the mouth of the cervical glands. Only at this phase of development fully ciliated cells were found often contacting secretory material. Mature squamous exfoliating cells with complex microplicae covered an hypertrophied portio vaginalis. The squamous cells extended toward a squamo-columnar junction in form of flat, tongue-like projections. Their tips consisted of immature squamous metaplastic cells, which were endocervical columnar progressively becoming elongated elements, exhibiting short microvilli. The above features are rather similar to those occurring during the adult reproductive age. Therefore, it might be hypothesized that, during pregnancy, a common gestational hormonal background may induce somewhat similar morpho-dynamic processes in the cells and tissues of the fetal reproductive tract mimicking what occurs in the adult female.

A three-dimensional study of human fetal endocervix with special reference to its epithelium.

The development of human fetal cervix has been systematically studied by SEM, obtaining a detailed map of its fine structure, particularly concerning the differentiation and maturation of the endocervical epithelium, including its "eversion" and "squamous metaplasia", normally occurring in postnatal life, but not yet observed in detail by electron microscopy in the fetus. Cervices from spontaneous abortion at 12, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22 weeks and from intrauterine fetal death (hydrocephalus) at 31 weeks of development have been examined. At 12-15 weeks, as the canalization of the cervix proceeded, the endocervical epithelium consisted of high polyhedral cells, with regularly flattened or concave apices exhibiting scarce microvilli and often single primary cilia. Some narrow intercellular infoldings probably corresponded to primordial tubular glands. At the 18th week the epithelium was made up of a mosaic of flat or slightly raised polygonal cells, whose apical surface showed thin microplicae. At the 20th week a pseudostratified epithelium with many apically convex cells lined the cervical canal and the tubular glands. At 21 and 22 weeks "plicae palmatae" developed, covered by cells, often showing a smooth central area surrounded by microvilli, provided with a primary cilium and swollen by secretory material. This also formed rounded masses on the epithelium. In the lower part of the endocervix some very elongated cells showed short microplicae resulting from fusion of microvilli. At the 31st week secretion increased and its products spreading from the bottom of the glands contacted isolated ciliated cells at their openings and diffusely covered the surface epithelium. Most of the ectocervix exhibited squamous elements, with well-developed labyrinthine microplicae. These cells could overlap each other and also desquamate. The zone of the portio vaginalis around the os of the cervical canal appeared infolded and hypertrophic. Here, an indented squamo-columnar junction between the ectocervical and endocervical epithelium, caused by tongue-like prolongations of squamous epithelium directed toward the endocervix, was found. Their tips consisted of elongated cells, rich only in short microvilli. Our data indicate that the features of the microvillous cells are an expression of a hormone-dependent differentiative process. Thus, their secretion might be stimulated by progesterone. Similarly microplicae on the ectocervical epithelium (a sign of squamous maturation) might be promoted by estrogens. Furthermore, two aspects were significative: 1) the finding--in an early phase only (18th week)--of endocervically-located squamous cells, although devoid of microplicae; and 2) the occurrence--in the latest phase (31st week)--of an indented squamo-columnar junction on the surface of the portio. These features are in agreement with the caudal shift of the squamo-columnar junction near the uterine cavity to the ectocervix after cervico-vaginal demarcation; the squamous metaplasia of this everted endocervical epithelium has been reported by some authors. It is likely that these processes, occurring in fetal life as well as in pregnant women, are related to a common hormonal background, arising from the mother to her fetus.

On a complex arrangement of the vascular pedicle of the left kidney.

During the dissection of an 83 year-old male cadaver, we observed that the left renal vein passed behind the aorta to follow an oblique course before draining into the inferior vena cava. The left renal vein was connected to the left suprarenal, spermatic, lumbar ascending and azygos veins. The left spermatic vein, after collecting the suprarenal vein, crossed in front of the abdominal aorta to reach the inferior vena cava directly. Furthermore, the arterial pedicle of the left kidney was composed of two tortuous and intermingled vessels. Variations in the number and arrangement of the vessels terminating in the renal veins are not uncommon, but so complex a vascular arrangement as this has not to our knowledge been previously described. The ontogenetic explanation and clinico-surgical implications of such a variation are reviewed and discussed.

Partial agenesis of the azygos vein: a case report.

In the cadaver of an 86 year old man the inferior segment of the azygos vein could not be found. Furthermore, a normally developed hemiazygos vein drained the right and left intercostal veins from T 10 to T 6. This vessel finally curved towards the right to reach the superior vena cava after having drained the right superior intercostal veins. The left superior intercostal vein ended in a short vessel draining into the left brachiocephalic vein. This condition may be represented in a standard chest radiograph by the so-called "aortic nipple". Agenesis of the azygos vein, suspected because of the presence of this radiological sign, should be confirmed in the living by means of computerized tomography. This can clarify the anatomy of the mediastinal vessels precisely. Embryological pattern of the azygos system accounting for its possible defects is discussed.

An ultrastructural study of epithelium differentiation in the human fetal fallopian tube.

The epithelial structure of the developing human fetal Fallopian tube has been studied systematically by parallel light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The specimens for this study were collected from spontaneous abortions at the 14th, 18th, 20th and 22nd weeks and from cases of intrauterine fetal death at the 24th and 31st weeks (hydrocephalus). The epithelium lining the wall of the female genital ducts was pseudostratified in a columnar fashion. It consisted of differentiating ciliated and microvillous cells and some degenerating elements. Microvillous cells-by far the most abundant in the early phases of tubal development-often showed a solitary cilium. Ciliated elements, though always less numerous than microvillous cells, were more densely concentrated on the developing fimbriae and at the uterotubal junction than in the ampulla. On the mucosal surface of the same regions, rounded intercellular holes delimited many crypts, from which ciliated elements sometimes sprouted. Notable aspects of cell proliferation and ciliogenesis were commonly observed and are likely to be related to circulating estrogens. These ultrastructural data indicate that the typical pattern of the adult oviduct is already sketched in fetal life. Furthermore, a strategic gathering of cilia was noted primarily at the sites of the developing oviduct, which will serve to mediate the passage of sperm and/or ova and promote fertilization in adult life.

Vaginal reconstruction by skin grafts: a scanning electron microscopic evaluation.

In order to evaluate the morphofunctional pattern of transplanted skin structural and ultrastructural studies on biopsies taken from surgically created neovaginae in three cases of vaginal agenesis were performed one and two years postoperatively. Two of the cases were associated with a rudimentary uterus, while the remaining one involved testicular feminization. Neovaginae were constructed by directly prolonging a pre-existing perineal introitus, to form a vesicorectal pouch, which was lined inside with gluteal skin autografts. All three patients reported satisfactory psychosexual behavior one year after operation. Light microscopy of the bioptic fragments demonstrated, even two years after surgery, features generally similar to those of the normal dermis and epidermis, and a keratinization rate as a rule, that did not range significantly from the norm. Scanning electron microscopy also confirmed the maturation of the cornified cells, since these were often seen to be desquamating and exhibited structures usually found in normal skin, such as double edges on the luminal surface--usually considered to be the morphological expression of squamous cell overlapping--and microwrinkles on disrupted apical and basal cytoplasmic flaps, which are considered reciprocal cell-gearing devices. Our results seem to indicate, therefore, that the transplanted skin, maintaining, on the whole, its integrity and viability despite an environment differing somewhat from the external one with regard to moisture, pH and temperature, shows a good adaptability, at least until the above mentioned time lapses.

The mucosa of the rabbit vagina: a proposed experimental model for correlated morphofunctional studies in humans.

In order to suggest a valid experimental model for correlated studies regarding the complex phenomena of reproductive biology in humans, light (LM), transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations were carried out on vaginae of sexually mature New-Zealand albino rabbits, both in estrus and at 5 h after mating. To avoid artifacts depending upon the operative times for specimen removal and, in particular, to well visualize the inner surface of this organ, vaginal irrigation with fixative was performed prior to the surgical removal. Our data demonstrate that the upper 2/3 of the vaginal duct form a kind of 'cervico-vaginal canal' which shares many histological features with the human endocervix. In fact, this portion is lined within by a monostratified epithelium provided with tall microvillous and ciliated cells and often invaginated in crypts. After mating, the microvillous cells showed evidence of secretory activity, exhibiting dome-like luminal surfaces. Secretory droplets often contacted cilia and spermatozoa present in the mucosal furrows and crypts. Because of these singular features and the morphofunctional interactions between vaginal epithelium and male gametes, we believe the rabbit to be a helpful model for comparative biology in humans, concerning sperm capacitation and the general reactivity of the female genital tract during the reproductive cycle.