Page 791 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations
P. 791

A thick connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea, surrounds each testis

               (Fig.  20.1).  On  the  posterior  side,  the  tunica  albuginea  thickens  and  extends
               inward into each testis to form the mediastinum testis. A thin connective tissue
               septum  extends  from  the  mediastinum  testis  and  subdivides  each  testis  into
               about 250 incomplete compartments or testicular lobules, each containing one
               to four highly coiled seminiferous tubules. Each  seminiferous  tubule  is  lined

               with a stratified germinal epithelium, containing proliferating spermatogenic
               (germ) cells and nonproliferating supporting (sustentacular), or Sertoli, cells.
               The seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenic cell division, maturation,

               and transformation into sperm.




















































               FIGURE 20.1 ■ Internal organization of the testis.

               Surrounding each seminiferous tubule are fibroblasts, muscle-like cells, nerves,
               blood  vessels,  and  lymphatic  vessels.  In  addition,  between  the  seminiferous
               tubules are clusters of epithelioid cells, the interstitial cells (of Leydig). These
               cells are steroid-secreting cells that produce the male sex hormone testosterone.




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