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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?
What type of cells are found in the interstitial connective tissue of the testis?
What is the purpose of the blood-testis barrier?
How many layers of sex cells are found in the seminiferous tubules?
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What is the function of Leydig cells in the testis?
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What is the process by which spermatids change to spermatozoa?
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What is the structure that surrounds the testis?
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What is the main function of the testis?
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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.
