MH 178a Testis

Adult Testis

The adult testis has a mature seminiferous epithelium capable of sperm production.

• Tunica Albuginea - capsule of thick connective tissue. (Not present in this specimen.)
• Seminiferous Tubules - each lobule contains 1 to 4 highly-coiled seminiferous tubules lined by a germinal epithelium that is the site of sperm production.
  • Sertoli Cells - large, columnar cells that extend the full thickness of the germinal epithelium.
    • Irregular, euchromatic nucleus with a single, prominent nucleolus.
    • Blood-testis Barrier - these cells separate the basal epithelial compartment (of spermatogonia) from the luminal compartment (of spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm).
  • Spermatogenesis - the process by which spermatogonia develop into sperm. Many dividing cells are seen in the germinal epithelium.
    • Spermatogonia - single layer of germ cells resting on the basement membrane.
    • Primary Spermatocytes - arise from spermatogonia and cross from the basal epithelial to luminal compartment of the germinal epithelium.
    • Secondary Spermatocytes - arise from primary spermatocytes and rapidly divide (rarely visible).

• Spermatids - arise from secondary spermatocytes and undergo spermiogenesis to transform into sperm.
  • Small, spherical cells (8 µm or less) with intensely stained nuclei near the lumen.
  • Embedded in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells.
• Leydig Cells (or Interstitial Cells) (#1 and #2) - found in the connective tissue (or interstitium) between seminiferous tubules.
  • Large, round cells (20 to 30 µm diameter) with vesicular nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm.
  • Usually occur in clusters of 5 to 30 cells.
  • Secrete testosterone.
• Mediastinum - region in which seminiferous tubules converge and sperm exits the testis.
  • Straight Tubules (or Tubuli Recti) - short, terminal section of each seminiferous tubule lined only by Sertoli cells.
  • Rete Testis - straight tubules empty in an anastomosing labyrinth lined by a simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium.

Neonatal Testis & Epididymis

The neonatal testis has an immature seminiferous epithelium incapable of sperm production.

• Tunica Albuginea - capsule of thick connective tissue.
• Lobules - pyramid shaped lobules separated by septae of connective tissue that extend inward from the capsule.
• Seminiferous Tubules - each lobule contains 1 to 4 highly-coiled seminiferous tubules with an immature germinal epithelium and small lumen.
  • Sertoli Cells - most of the cells within the tubule. The columnar cells have dark, round to oval nuclei.
  • Spermatogenesis -does not occur in neonates.
    • Spermatogonia - single layer of germ cells resting on the basement membrane. Large cells with a thin rim of lightly stained cytoplasm.
    • Primary and Secondary Spermatocytes - absent.
    • Spermatids - absent.
• Leydig Cells (or Interstitial Cells) - found in the connective tissue (or interstitium) between seminiferous tubules.
  • Large, round cells (20 to 30 µm diameter) with vesicular nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm.
  • Usually occur in clusters of cells.

The neonatal epididymis is a single, coiled duct with a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. In contrast to adult, the columnar cells are short without visible stereocilia.