Endo-Repro L12 Male 1 Flashcards
Seminiferous Tubule
Containing Sertoli cells and germ cells.
Encircled by myoid cells
Sertoli cells
Somatic cell lining tubule. Nurse cell required for spermatogenesis
Regulated by FSH
Myoid cells
Move sperm along tube by peristalsis
Interstilal Area
Containing Leydig cells, Lymph vessels and macrophages.
Leydig cells
Produces testosterone under control of LH
Spematagonia lie on
The BM → as they mature they move towards the lumen.
Sertoli functions
Testosterone binds to androgen binding protein mad eby the cell and provides:
- Physical support
- Metabolic support (controls migration)
- Secretes testicular fluid and maintains it
Blood testis barrier
Meiosis occurring and so is protective
Spermogenesis
Spermatids to spermatozoon.
Vascular compartment
Blood vessels
Interstitial compartment
Leydig cells, macrophages
Basal compartment
Sertoli cells and germ cells below the level of the blood-testis barrier (tubule itself)
Adluminal compartment
Sertoli cells and germ cells above the level of the blood-testis barrier (post meiotic cells and more mature.
Purpose of Blood-Testis Barrier: (2)
- Maintains differences in fluid composition between fluid within tubule and outside tubule.
a. Spermatogeneisis requires particular environment - Protects developing sperm from auto-immune attack.
IgM attacks
Acrosome