1. Seminiferous Tubules
1.1. 1.An outer capsule (Tunica propria “T.P.”)
1.1.1. layers of fibroblast
1.1.2. innermost layer adhering to the basal lamina consists of flattened cells (myoid cells)
1.2. 2.Basal lamina “BL”
1.2.1. separates the epithelium from the T.P
1.3. 3.A lining of complex of St. epithelium
1.3.1. spermatogenic cells
1.3.1.1. SPERMATOGNENESIS
1.3.1.1.1. spermatogonia divide] producing spermatocytes and spermatids
1.3.1.2. SPERMIOGENESIS
1.3.1.2.1. definition
1.3.1.2.2. stages
1.3.1.2.3. mature spermatozoa
1.3.2. Sertoli cells
1.3.2.1. characteristics
1.3.2.1.1. tall, irregular columnar cells that extend from the BL to the lumen
1.3.2.1.2. bound together by tight junctions which is located toward the basal layer forming the blood-testis barrier (B.T.B)
1.3.2.1.3. BTB F(x)
1.3.2.2. F(x)
1.3.2.2.1. 1. Supporting the series of the spermatogenic cells
1.3.2.2.2. 2. Provide nutrition for spermatogenic cells
1.3.2.2.3. 3. Act as protections (B.T.Bs)
1.3.2.2.4. 4. Continuously secrete into the lumen a fluid
1.3.2.2.5. 5. Phagocytosis
1.3.2.2.6. 6. Secrete androgen-binding protein
1.3.2.2.7. 7. Secrete Inhibin
2. Testes
2.1. Location
2.1.1. - outside the abdominal cavity, in the scrotum
2.1.1.1. - maintaining the testes at a temperature lower than the intra-abdominal temperature
2.1.1.2. -Testicular temperature is about 35°C
2.2. Layers
2.2.1. - enclosed by a dense fibrous capsule “tunica albuginea”
2.2.1.1. - thickened on the posterior portion of the testis to form the mediastineum testis
2.2.2. - looser layer of areolar CT rich in BVs "tunica vasculosa"
2.2.3. - closed serous sac, the tunica vaginalis surround the anterior & lateral surface of the testis
2.2.3.1. 1. visceral layer adheres to the T. albuginea
2.2.3.2. 2. parietal layer lines the inner surface of the secrotum
2.3. Content
2.3.1. - Each lobule contains 1-4 coiled tubules the (seminiferous tubules), surrounded and supported by interlobular CT.