Lesson 13 and 14 | Male and Female Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
● Testis
● Genital Ducts
● Accessory Glands
● Penis
Spermatogenesis
Testes
● External coverings:
(1) Tunica vaginalis: mesothelial sac which covers the
anterior surface of each testes
(2) Tunica albuginea: dense connective tissue capsule that
forms the mediastinum testis along the posterior surface
● Internal structure:
(1) Septa: extension of the tunica albuginea which
penetrates the testes and divides it into 250
compartments or lobules
(2) Lobules: includes 1-4 seminiferous tubules (exocrine)
with discrete clumps of Leydig's cells (endocrine)
● Seminiferous Tubules
➔ 250 – 1000 tubules per Testicular Lobule
➔ Contains:
– Spermatogenic epithelium
– Basement Membrane
– Myoid Cells ( for contraction
– Sertoli cells
● Sertoli Cells
➔ Physically and metabolically support developing sperm
cell precursors
➔ Produce androgen-binding protein
➔ Phagocytosis shed debris from differentiating spermatids,
➔ Secrete fluid that carries sperm along the tubules Spermiogenesis
● Spermatids undergo spermiogenesis:
➔ Condensing of nucleus
➔ Formation of flagellum w/ mitochondrial middle piece
➔ Formation of Acrosomal Cap
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