Anatomy and Functions of the Testis
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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?

  • Production of spermatozoa
  • Establishment of a blood-testis barrier
  • Physical and nutritional support of developing germ cells (correct)
  • Production of testosterone
  • What type of cells are found in the interstitial connective tissue of the testis?

  • Spermatogonia
  • Leydig cells
  • Macrophages, fibroblasts, and mast cells (correct)
  • Sertoli cells
  • What is the purpose of the blood-testis barrier?

  • To facilitate the production of testosterone
  • To regulate the movement of nutrients into the seminiferous tubules
  • To protect the developing gametes from the immune system (correct)
  • To prevent the development of spermatozoa
  • How many layers of sex cells are found in the seminiferous tubules?

    <p>4-8 layers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of Leydig cells in the testis?

    <p>Production of testosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which spermatids change to spermatozoa?

    <p>Spermiogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure that surrounds the testis?

    <p>Tunica albuginea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the testis?

    <p>Production of spermatozoa and male sex hormones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Structure of the Testis

    • Surrounded by a dense connective tissue capsule called the tunica albuginea
    • Septa divide the testis into approximately 250 pyramidal compartments or testicular lobules
    • Each lobule contains:
      • Connective tissue with endocrine interstitial cells (Leydig cells) that secrete testosterone
      • One to four highly convoluted seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs

    Functions of the Testis

    • Production of spermatozoa
    • Production of male sex hormones, mainly testosterone

    Germinal Epithelium

    • Mainly formed of sex cells and a few supporting cells (Sertoli cells)
    • Sex cells lie on a basement membrane surrounded by a connective tissue sheath

    Sex Cells (Spermatogenic cells)

    • Form 4-8 layers in the seminiferous tubules
    • Differentiate progressively from the base to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule
    • Cells involved in spermatogenesis:
      • Spermatogonia
      • Primary spermatocytes
      • Secondary spermatocytes
      • Spermatids
    • These cells change to spermatozoa through spermiogenesis

    Sertoli Cells

    • Tall columnar cells with bases resting on the basement membrane
    • Apical cell membranes are highly folded and project into the lumina of the seminiferous tubules
    • Cells have pale irregular nucleus with a large nucleolus
    • Lateral cell membranes of adjacent Sertoli cells form occluding junctions with each other, establishing a blood-testis barrier
    • Functions of Sertoli cells:
      • Physical and nutritional support of developing germ cells
      • Phagocytosis of cytoplasm eliminated during spermiogenesis
      • Establishment of a blood-testis barrier by forming zonulae occludentes between adjacent Sertoli cells

    Interstitial Connective Tissue

    • Loose connective tissue containing:
      • Macrophages
      • Fibroblasts
      • Mast cells

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    Description

    Learn about the structure of the testis, its components and functions including sperm production and hormone regulation.

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