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Testes: Histology

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...

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Spermatogenesis

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...

Spermatogenesis

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...

Testes: Gross Anatomy

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...

Sperm Transport

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

Normal testicular function and spermatogenesis.

Stephen M Shalet¹

¹Department of Endocrinology, Christie Hospital, Manchester, England, UK. stephen.m.shalet@man.ac.uk

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

|April 4, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Testis development is genetically controlled by the SRY gene, directing embryonic gonads. Primordial germ cells migrate to form distinct testes by the seventh week of human gestation.

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Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 31, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 31, 2015

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

The testis has two primary functions: sperm production and testosterone secretion.
Testicular formation is a genetically regulated process.
The SRY gene plays a crucial role in directing embryonic gonads towards testicular development.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the key events in early human testicular development.
To highlight the genetic control and cellular migration involved in testis formation.

Main Methods:

Review of embryological development timelines.
Analysis of gene expression patterns (SRY gene).
Description of primordial germ cell migration and gonad differentiation.

Main Results:

Testis formation is initiated by the SRY gene.
Primordial germ cells originate from the embryonic epiblast and migrate from the yolk sac endoderm.
The undifferentiated gonad becomes morphologically distinct by the seventh week of human gestation.
Histological development of the testis is substantially complete by the end of the first trimester.

Conclusions:

Early testicular development is a precisely orchestrated process involving genetic signals and cellular migration.
The SRY gene is essential for initiating male sex determination and subsequent testicular differentiation.