Microanatomy of the reproductive system Flashcards
What is the tunica albuginea made up of?
Connective tissue and smooth muscle
What are the seminiferous tubules made up of?
Stratified epithelium made up of spermatogenic cells and sertoli cells
What do spermatogonia look like in the testes?
small round cells with dark, round nuclei, they are found adjacent to the basement membrane
What do primary spermatocytes look like?
Large cells, the nuclei show distinct chromatin
What do secondary spermatocyes look like?
They are rarely observed as they develop rapidly
What do early spermatids look like?
Small with a round cell
What do late spermatids look like?
Even smaller with an elongated body and tail
What do sertoli cells look like?
Pale, oval or triangular nucleus- they have a prominent nucleolus- their outline is poorly defined and they hug the spermatogenic cells
What can be found in-between the seminiferous tubules?
Interstitial space
Where are myoid cells found and what is their function?
Myoid cells are found outside the basement membrane of each tubule and they have a contractile function
Where are leydig cells often found?
Inside the connective tissue between tubules, they have a small round nucleus and are acidophillic (foamy cytoplasm)/ they also produce testosterone
Where can the transitional zone of the testes be found?
Between the coiled seminiferous tubules and the straight tubules
network of channels that form the rete testis
Where can the transitional zone of the testes be found?
Between the coiled seminiferous tubules and the straight tubules
network of channels that form the rete testis
What part of the epididymis has the least amount of epithelium?
The tail as it is used for sperm storage rather than sperm maturation
What is the deferent duct made up of?
pseudostratified columnar epithelium and smooth muscle
