30 Questions
What is the characteristic of the nucleus of Sertoli cells in light microscopy?
Pale nucleus with a clear nucleolus
What is the main function of lysosomes in Sertoli cells?
Phagocytosis
What is the composition of the infoldings in the apex of Sertoli cells?
Microtubules and microfilaments
What is the function of the blood-testis barrier?
To separate the seminiferous tubule into two compartments
Which of the following is NOT found in the outer (basal) compartment of the seminiferous tubule?
Secondary spermatocytes
What is the function of the tissue fluid formed by Sertoli cells?
To provide nutrients to spermatogenic cells
What is the main function of the tunica vasculosa in the testis?
To provide a blood supply to the testis
What is the role of the trabeculae in the testis?
To divide the testis into 250 lobules
What is the histological structure of the seminiferous tubules?
Spermatogenic epithelium
What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
To form a capsule around the testis
What is the diameter of the seminiferous tubules?
200 μm
What is the main function of the Leydig cells in the testis?
To produce testosterone
What is the total length of the seminiferous tubules in the testis?
50 cm
What is the function of the tunica vaginalis in the testis?
To form a peritoneal fold around the testis
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in the spermatogenic epithelium?
To provide nutrition to spermatogonia
Which type of spermatogonia are considered reserve cells and do not immediately enter the cell cycle?
Type A, dark
What is the characteristic of 1ry spermatocytes in terms of their chromosome number?
Diploid, with 46 chromosomes
What is the process by which spermatids mature into spermatozoa?
Spermiogenesis
What is the length of a mature spermatozoon?
60 µm
Which part of the spermatozoon contains the condensed nucleus?
Head
What is the characteristic of the nucleus in spermatids?
Small and dark
At which stage of development do the germ cells complete the first meiotic division?
1ry Spermatocytes
What is the main function of the mitochondrial sheath in the middle piece of a sperm?
To produce energy for the sperm's movement
What is the duration of the process of spermatogenesis?
64-70 days
During which stage of spermatogenesis do spermatogonia divide by mitosis?
Spermatogonial stage
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus during the Golgi phase of spermiogenesis?
To form acrosomal vesicles
What is the result of the 2nd meiotic division during spermatogenesis?
Formation of haploid spermatids
What is the function of the acrosomal cap in a mature sperm?
To facilitate fertilization of the ovum
What is the result of the transformation of spermatids into mature sperm?
Formation of spermatozoa
What is the role of Sertoli cells in the maturation phase of spermiogenesis?
To phagocytose residual bodies
Study Notes
Male Genital System
- The male genital system consists of testes, excretory genital ducts, accessory genital glands, and penis.
Testis
- The testis is a mixed compound tubular gland formed of stroma and parenchyma.
- The stroma consists of a capsule with three coats: tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, and tunica vasculosa.
- The parenchyma consists of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells.
Seminiferous Tubules
- Seminiferous tubules are convoluted tubules, 50 cm in length and 200 μm in diameter, lined with spermatogenic epithelium.
- The tubules are lined with Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells.
Sertoli Cells
- Sertoli cells are pale staining cells with indistinct cell boundaries and pale acidophilic cytoplasm containing numerous lipid droplets.
- Ultrastructurally, Sertoli cells have numerous mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, with microfilaments and microtubules at the apex and tight junctions at the basal parts.
Blood Testis Barrier
- The blood-testis barrier is formed by tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells, dividing the seminiferous tubule into outer (basal) and inner (adluminal) compartments.
Spermatogenic Epithelium
- The spermatogenic epithelium consists of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells, including spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.
Spermatogonia
- There are two types of spermatogonia: dark type A (reserve cells) and pale type A (stem cells).
- Type B spermatogonia are derived from pale type A and give rise to primary spermatocytes.
Primary Spermatocytes
- Primary spermatocytes are the largest cells (18 μm) with diploid chromosomes (2N = 46).
- They undergo meiotic division to form secondary spermatocytes.
Secondary Spermatocytes
- Secondary spermatocytes are smaller cells with haploid chromosomes (N = 23).
- They rapidly enter the second meiotic division to form spermatids.
Spermatids
- Spermatids are very small cells with dark nuclei and haploid chromosomes.
- They undergo spermiogenesis to form mature sperm.
Spermiogenesis
- Spermiogenesis is the process of transforming spermatids into mature sperm through three stages: Golgi phase, acrosomal phase, and maturation phase.
Mature Sperm (Spermatozoa)
- Mature sperm are 60 μm long, consisting of a head (5 μm), neck, middle piece (5 μm), principal piece (40 μm), and end piece (10 μm).
- The head contains a condensed nucleus with an acrosomal cap rich in hydrolytic enzymes, and the middle piece has a mitochondrial sheath.
This quiz covers the anatomy and histology of the male genital system, including the semineferous tubules, Sertoli cells, and blood testis barrier, as well as the stages of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis.
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