PHYSCI M140 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Seminiferous Tubule, Sertoli Cell, Vas Deferens
18 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
Testis: structure that is filled with extensive network of tubules called seminiferous tubules. The tubules are open-ended on each end and coalesce into tubule system that extends outside testis. Sperm are made in seminiferous tubules, then the sperm pass through epididymis where they undergo maturation then through the vas deferens, ultimately passing glandular structures like the prostate gland. Those sperm are available for ejaculation and potential fertilization. Three seminiferous tubules: each seminiferous tubule is bounded by a membrane called the basement membrane. Inside of each tubule is a lumen (open space) but along the periphery inside of tubule is cell type called sertoli cell. Sertoli cells: complex cells that sit along membrane, have complicated morphology/appearance. The sertoli cells are along the border of every seminiferous tubule. Inside the seminiferous tubules are all of the phases of the developing sperm. Spermatogonead: round cell that can occasionally go through mitosis. Spermatocyte: round cell that grows and undergoes different transformations.
