Histology of the Testis

Question 1

where does spermatogenesis occur?

Answer 1

seminiferous epithelium

Question 2

where is the seminiferous epithelium located?

Answer 2

in the centre of testis

Question 3

what divides the lobules of the testes?

Answer 3

connective tissue or SEPTA

Question 4

where are the sperm formed?

Answer 4

seminiferous tubules

Question 5

generally how many tubes are there in each lobule?

Answer 5

between 1 to 4

Question 6

where do the sperm pass to after they are produced?

Answer 6

the epididymis

Question 7

what is the tunica albuginea?

Answer 7

thick coating surrounding the testis

Question 8

where do the sperm exit the body?

Answer 8

through the ductus deferens then the urethra

Question 9

what are the supporting cells found within the testes?

Answer 9

Sertoli cells

Question 10

where about in the tubule are the mature sperm found?

Answer 10

in the centre

Question 11

what are the germ cells called that are found within the testis?

Answer 11

spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids

Question 12

what are sertori cells?

Answer 12

triangular cell nuclei
really tall columnar cells that extend from the BM where you see their nuclei all the way up to the lumen
they provide mechanical and hormonal support to developing germ cells
involved in phagocytosis
essential for creating blood testis barrier

Question 12

which stain is useful for identifying sertori cells?

Answer 12

androgen receptor staining as the sertori cells are the only cells in the testis that produce androgen receptor
sertori cells are BROWN

Question 13

what are the 2 compartments of the seminiferous tubule?

Answer 13

basal compartment and the abluminal compartment

Question 13

how are the cytoplasm of connecting Sertoli cells connected?

Answer 13

tight junctions

Question 14

what is the basal compartment?

Answer 14

the area closest to the BM

Question 15

what is the adluminal compartment?

Answer 15

area closest to the lumen

Question 16

what are peritubular myeloid cells?

Answer 16

around the outside edge and they contain contractile filaments
have a flattened nucleui
provide structural integrity to the tubule
secrete ECM molecules to the BM
important in the signalling of leydig cells and Sertoli cells

Question 17

what are leydig cells

Answer 17

found in between tubules
pink cells
large nuclei
nuclei found at one end of the cell
found in clusters
hormone producing cells
found near capillaries
produce androgen in the form of testosterone

Question 18

what do leydig cells produce?

Answer 18

androgen in the form of testosterone
pass these androgens into the Sertoli cells because they have the receptors

Question 19

why do Sertoli cells use androgen?

Answer 19

use the androgen to support the development of germ cells which facilitates spermatogenesis

Question 20

what are the darker cells around the outside of the testis?

Answer 20

spermatogonia (stem cell population)

Question 21

what cells are found next to the spermatogonia?

Answer 21

type B spermatogonia

Question 22

what do type B spermatogonia look like on histology?

Answer 22

large cells
clumped chromatin

Question 23

what is the blood testis barrier?

Answer 23

tight junction that is formed between the cells that are post and pre meiotic
prevents rejection of the newly formed sperm

Question 24

what do spermatids look like?

Answer 24

ronder cells
cluster of smaller nuclei
no more division takes place

Question 25

what happens during spermiogenesis?

Answer 25

lose their cytoplasm
develop the flagella
develop acrosome