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Related Concept Videos

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Testes: Histology01:27

Testes: Histology

A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness02:19

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Testes: Gross Anatomy01:19

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...

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In mice, a population of male germ cells show characteristics of non-apoptotic cell death during G0 arrest.

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Glycogen and lactate metabolism in mouse fetal Sertoli cells sustain the germ line.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
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Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids

Published on: October 7, 2020

Mixed signals: development of the testis.

Jonah Cool1, Blanche Capel

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|February 7, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Testis development involves SRY gene activation, initiating male sex determination and Sertoli cell commitment. Subsequent epithelialization forms testis cords, with interstitial cells differentiating around them.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Gonad primordia are bipotential before male development.
  • SRY gene expression triggers male-specific gonad development.
  • Sertoli cell specification is crucial for testis formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate signals regulating Sertoli cell specification.
  • To understand interstitial cell development and patterning.
  • To clarify the sequence of events in male gonad morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on signaling pathways within the male gonad.
  • Analysis of gene expression patterns.
  • Investigating cell-cell interactions during development.

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Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses
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Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses

Published on: October 7, 2020

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
09:40

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
09:18

Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids

Published on: October 7, 2020

Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses
09:59

Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses

Published on: October 7, 2020

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
09:40

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

Main Results:

  • SRY initiates male development, Sertoli cell commitment, and testis-specific patterning.
  • Sertoli cells form testis cords, enclosing germ cells.
  • Interstitial cells (steroidogenic, endothelial, smooth muscle) develop around cords.

Conclusions:

  • SRY is a key driver of male gonad development.
  • Ordered signaling pathways govern Sertoli and interstitial cell specification.
  • Understanding these pathways is vital for reproductive health.