Question

Describe the structure of a seminiferous tubule.

Answer 1

The production of sperm in the testes takes place in a highly coiled structure called the seminiferous tubules. These tubules are located in the testicular lobules. Each seminiferous tubule is lined by germinal epithelium. It is lined on its inner surface by two types of cells: spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Spermatogonia are male germ cells that give rise to primary spermatocytes through meiotic divisions. Primary spermatocytes undergo further meiotic division to form secondary spermatocytes and finally, spermatids. Spermatids later metamorphose into male gametes called spermatozoa. Sertoli cells are known as nurse cells of the testes, as they provide nourishment to the germ cells. There are large polygonal cells known as interstitial cells or Leydig cells just adjacent to the seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete the male hormone called testosterone.