[How many testicular lobules does a human testicle contain? Reexamination of an old problem]

In 20 autoptically obtained testes from men of various ages, 250-290 testicular lobules per testicle could be recognized by preparation with a stereomicroscope. The most appropriate technique was the fixation of the testes in 10% formol for at least 14 days and a following dehydration in a series of increasing concentrations of alcohol. Using other methods of fixation higher numbers of lobules were counted due to splitting of lobules into subunits. The number of the testicular lobules cannot be correlated to the volume of the testicle. When simulating a testicular biopsy in the autoptic testicle 3-5 testicular lobules are concerned.