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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).
Adult Testis
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.