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 side by two types of cells, namely spermatogonia and sertoli cells respectively. Spermatogonia are male germ cells that produce primary spermatocytes via 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 seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete the male hormone called testosterone.