BackMale Reproductive System - Testes and Associated Structures
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Terms in this set (19)
The testes are located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum, which maintains a temperature 2–2.5°C lower than body temperature, essential for spermatogenesis.
Each testis contains about 250 compartments called testicular lobules, each housing 1 to 3 seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous tubules are highly coiled structures lined by male germ cells (spermatogonia) and Sertoli cells.
Male germ cells undergo meiotic divisions leading to the formation of sperm.
Sertoli cells provide nutrition and support to developing germ cells inside seminiferous tubules.
The interstitial spaces outside seminiferous tubules contain Leydig cells that synthesize and secrete androgens, the testicular hormones.
Include rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis, and vas deferens, which store and transport sperm.
Sperm move from seminiferous tubules → rete testis → vasa efferentia → epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory duct → urethra.
The epididymis stores sperm and is located along the posterior surface of each testis.
The vas deferens ascends into the abdomen, loops over the urinary bladder, and joins the duct from the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.
The ejaculatory duct opens into the urethra, which carries sperm outside the body.
The urethra originates from the urinary bladder, passes through the penis, and opens externally at the urethral meatus.
The scrotum keeps testes 2–2.5°C cooler than body temperature, which is necessary for effective spermatogenesis.
Androgens are synthesized and secreted by Leydig cells in the interstitial spaces of the testes.
Seminiferous tubules are lined by male germ cells and Sertoli cells, essential for sperm production and support.
Rete testis collects sperm from seminiferous tubules and channels it into the vasa efferentia.
Vasa efferentia transport sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.
Accessory ducts store and transport sperm from the testes to the outside through the urethra.
Besides Leydig and Sertoli cells, testes contain other immunologically competent cells to protect germ cells.