Seminiferous tubules are located within the testes, and are the specific location of meiosis, and the subsequent creation of male gametes, namely spermatozoa . The epithelium of the tubule consists of a type of sustentacular cells known as Sertoli cells, which are tall, columnar type cells that line the tubule.
What is the role of the testes seminiferous tubules?
The seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenesis where germ cells develop into spermatozoa in close interaction with Sertoli cells.
What is seminiferous and its function?
The seminiferous tubules are located in the testicles (or the testes) and are long, coiled, tubular structures that carry out the function of spermatogenesis (sperm production). Cells in the seminiferous tubules, called the primary spermatocytes, divide by meiosis to produce sperm.
What are the two major cells in the seminiferous tubules give its functions?
The seminiferous tubules are lined by a complex stratified epithelium containing two distinct populations of cells, spermatogenic cells, that develop into spermatozoa, and Sertoli cells which have a supportive and nutrient function.
What are seminiferous tubules?
Definition of seminiferous tubule : any of the coiled threadlike tubules that make up the bulk of the testis and are lined with a layer of epithelial cells from which the spermatozoa are produced.
Do seminiferous tubules produce testosterone?
The main hormone secreted by the testes is testosterone, an androgenic hormone. Testosterone is secreted by cells that lie between the seminiferous tubules, known as the Leydig cells.
Where are the seminiferous tubules?
There are two distinct types of seminiferous tubules: Convoluted - located on the sides of the testes, where sperm cells are produced. Straight - short canals that transport sperm cells to the rete testis, a network of small tubes in the testicle that helps move the sperm cells from the testicle to the epididymis.
What do seminiferous tubules secrete?
They secrete androgen-binding protein, a binding protein which increases the concentration of testosterone inside the seminiferous tubules. Embryologically, they also secrete the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) necessary for the female Müllerian ducts to regress.
Do seminiferous tubules produce sperm?
Sperm production in the testes takes place in coiled structures called seminiferous tubules. Along the top of each testicle is the epididymis. This is a cordlike structure where the sperm mature and are stored.
How many seminiferous tubules are in each testis?
Two to three seminiferous tubules are present in each testicular lobule. Each testis contains around 250 testicular lobules.
Where do seminiferous tubules empty into?
Seminiferous tubules of testis open into a continuous chamber of flattened and irregular-shaped anastomosing channels called the rete testis.
What is another name for seminiferous tubules?
Holonyms for Seminiferous tubule: testis, testicle, orchis, bollock, nut, egg, ballock, ball.
What is meaning of seminiferous?
Medical Definition of seminiferous : producing or bearing seed or semen the seminiferous epithelium of the testis.
What is the function of Leydig cells?
Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone or androgens in males. This physiology allows them to play a crucial role in many vital physiological processes in males, including sperm production or spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors.
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
Sertoli cells are the somatic cells of the testis that are essential for testis formation and spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells facilitate the progression of germ cells to spermatozoa via direct contact and by controlling the environment milieu within the seminiferous tubules.
What is seminiferous epithelial cycle?
The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium refers to all the cellular interactions that occur between Sertoli cells and developing germ cells within the seminiferous epithelium – both adluminal and basal compartment. It takes 64 days for an undifferentiated stem cell to become a mature spermatozoon (sperm).
What is spermatogenic cells?
Spermatogenic cells are the cells that undergo spermatogenesis to produce spermatozoa. They develop in the seminiferous tubules.
Epididymis
Close Toggle Item Epididymis 4X A: Stereociliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium lines the inside of the epididymis. B: Spermatazoa are visible in the lumen of the epididymis.
Penis and Urethra
A: Corpora Cavernosa is erectile tissue that is surrounded by a tunica albuginea capsule and the two sections are separated by a medial septum DCCTRA.
Overview
Seminiferous tubules are located within the testes, and are the specific location of meiosis, and the subsequent creation of male gametes, namely spermatozoa.
Structure
The epithelium of the tubule consists of a type of sustentacular cells known as Sertoli cells, which are tall, columnar type cells that line the tubule.
In between the Sertoli cells are spermatogenic cells, which differentiate through meiosis to sperm cells. Sertoli cells function to nourish the developing sperm cells. They secrete androgen-binding protein, a binding protein which increases the concentration of testosterone inside the seminifer…
Function
Spermatogenesis, the process for producing spermatozoa, takes place in the seminiferous tubules. During spermatogenesis, the DNA of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules is subject to damage from such sources as reactive oxygen species. The genomic integrity of spermatogenic cells is protected by DNA repair processes. Deficiencies in the enzymes employed in these repair processes may lead to infertility.
Additional images
• Seminiferous tubule (right) with sperm (black, tiny, ovoid). H&E stain.
• Longitudinal section through the left side of the scrotum and the left testis (Seminiferous tubules visible in center, but not labeled).
• Seminiferous tubule (transverse section).
See also
• Leydig cells
External links
• Histology image: 17802loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University
• Image
• Diagram