Testis Histology Flashcards
What tissue layer separates the lobules of the testis?
Tunica albuginea
What is the sac surrounding the anterior/lateral parts of the testis called?
Tunica vaginalis
What type of tissue makes up the visceral tunica vaginalis?
simple cuboidal epithelium
What tube system makes up the testicular lobules?
Seminiferous tubules
What are the supporting cells of the seminiferous tubules called?
Sertoli cells
What are the germ cells which are always associated with the basal lamina called?
Spermatogonium
What is the process of spermatogenesis starting with the spermatogonium?
Spermatogonium (Dark A, Pale A, B) Primary Spermatocyte Secondary spermatocyte Early spermatids Spermatozoa
Which germ cell do you almost never see on a slide?
Secondary spermatocyte
What are the three types of spermatogonia?
A light
A dark
B
Which spermatogonia can self renew?
Pale type A spermatogonia
Which are the largest of the germ cells?
Primary spermatocytes
What stage of development do primary spermatocytes enter? Secondary spermatocytes?
Primary: Meiosis I
Secondary: Meiosis II
At what point do the germ cells become haploid?
Secondary spermatocytes
What is the structure that is left behind by Spermiogenesis called?
Residual bodies
What are the three main structures of a sperm?
Head, middle piece, principle piece
What are the four “phases” of spermiogenesis?
Golgi phase
Cap phase
Acrosomal phase
Maturation phase
What are formed in the golgi phase?
Acrosomal granules
What forms the cap over the spermatid nucleus?
Acrosomal vescile (formed from acrosomal granules)
In what phase does the acrosomal vesicle fuse?
Cap phase
During which phase does the head of the spermatid orient toward the base?
Acrosomal phase
Where do mitochondria aggregate in the acrosomal phase?
Middle piece
What structures are indicated in helping nuclear elongation of hte sperm?
Manchettes (microtubules)
During which phase are the sperm released into the lumen, with the residual bodies phagocytosed?
Maturation phase
What is thought to be the role of the annulus in the sperm?
Keep the mitochondria in the middle piece
What is the immunologic role of sertoli cells?
Zonula occludens in base form blood-testis barrier
What are the two compartments formed by the blood-testis barrier in the seminiferous tubules?
Basal compartment
Adluminal compartment
What two endocrine proteins are produced by sertoli cells?
Androgen binding protein
Inhibin
What is the role of the interstitial cells of Leydig?
Testosterone production
What cytoplasmic structures are prevalent in Interstitial Cells?
Smooth ER
Large, round nuclei
Which cells have receptors for LH?
Interstitial cells
Which cells have receptors for FSH?
Sertoli cells
What is produced by Sertoli cells to make negative feedback on the hypothalamus FSH/LH production?
Inhibin
