Repro Histology - Male Flashcards
What is the mediastinum testis?
The inner projection of tunica albuginea, rete testis is within this, at the posterior (back) margin
What are the two cells types in the seminiferous tubules?
Sertoli and leydig, leydig cells are paler. Sertoli cells are elongated, pyramidal and columnar and support the germ cells.
What’s the blood-testis barrier?
The cell junctional complex between adjacent Sertoli cells which divides the epithelium into compartments. This prevents autoimmune attack on spermatids.
What are myoid cells?
Peritubular contractile cells around the seminiferous tubules which do peristalsis
Where is testosterone secreted from?
Leydig cells in the lobule stroma. Large polygonal cells. LH stimulates its release
What are the products of the first phase of spermatogenesis and what is this stage called?
Spermatagonial: produces type B cells, type A pale and type A dark. Type B go on to develop into spermatozoa.
What is the meiotic stage of spermatogenesis called?
Spermatocyte
What stage involves maturation of elongation of secondary spermatocytes?
The spermatid phase
List the four stages of spermatid phase
Golgi, cap, acrosome and maturation
What do acrosomal enzymes do?
Penetrate the corona radiata
What cells line the straight tubules at the end of the seminiferous tubules?
Sertoli cells line the rete testis
What are the coni vasculosi ?
The 6-10 conical masses just before the duct of the epididymis. These form the globus major ie the head of the epididymis.
What lines the efferent du tiles between the rete testis and the head of the epididymis?
Tall columnar ciliated cells
What cells have, are where would you find, long modified microvilli?
In the epididymis epithelium, on the principal cells
Where does most of seminal fluid come from?
The seminal vesicles, highly folded for increased surface area
