Testis
• Lined by cells of different stages of spermatogenesis and Sertoli cells.
• Sertoli cells/sustentacular cells-tall columnar, pale stained with prominent nucleolus. These cells reach the lumen. Function-support and nutrition, phagocytosis and
secretion of hormones.
• Spermatogonia--germ cells, lie near the basal membrane, undergo mitosis to form primary spermatocytes.
• Primary spermatocytes-large cells. Each undergoes meiosis to form two secondary spermatocytes.
. Secondary spermatocytes-smaller, each undergoes meiosis to form two spermatids.
• Spermatids--round cells embedded in apical part of Sertoli cells. Undergoes morphological changes to from spermatozon by the process of spermiogenesis.
• Spaces between the seminiferous tubules contain loose connective tissue with blood vessels. Also contains interstitial cells of Leydig-round large cells, secret
testosterone-male sex hormones.
Vas Deferens
• Mucous membrane-shows longitudinal folds-lumen is small:
-Lined by simple columnar cells.
-Lamina propria-loose connective tissue with elastic fibers.
•Thick muscle coat-inner circular, outer longitudinal smooth muscles.
•Outermost layer-adventitia made of connective tissue.
•Function-conveys sperm to the ejaculatory ducts.
Prostate
• Tubuloalveolar glands separated by fibromuscular stroma.
• Glands lined by columnar epithelium, mucosa thrown into folds.
• Lumen contains lamellated round masses of corpora amylacea (calcified glycoprotein) which increases with age.
•Fibromuscular stroma-is made of collagen fibers and smooth muscles. It becomes more with age.
Epididymis
• Epididymis is highly coiled single tubular structure.
• Coils of tubules held by fibrous connective tissue.
• Tubule is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia. Each tubule is surrounded by smooth muscle cells which help in the transport of spermato
through the contraction of tubules.
• Stereocilia are large microvilli for absorption of fluids
• Function:
-reabsorb fluid from the testicular secretions.
-Helps in maturation of spermatozoa.