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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
Polarity of the Cytoskeleton01:18

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
11:11

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

The Sertoli cell cytoskeleton.

A Wayne Vogl1, Kuljeet S Vaid, Julian A Guttman

  • 1Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. vogl@interchange.ubc.ca

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The mammalian Sertoli cell cytoskeleton, featuring actin, intermediate, and microtubules, is highly complex and crucial for spermatogenesis. Its unique structures support cell junctions and maintain tissue integrity during sperm development.

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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Published on: October 7, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Histology

Background:

  • Sertoli cells in mammalian testes possess a highly elaborate cytoskeleton.
  • This cytoskeleton undergoes dynamic changes during spermatogenesis.
  • Key cytoskeletal elements are associated with intercellular junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the distribution and potential functions of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules in Sertoli cells.
  • To highlight unique cytoskeletal features related to spermatogenesis and cell-cell interactions.

Main Methods:

  • The study is primarily descriptive, based on existing knowledge of Sertoli cell cytoskeleton.
  • It involves analyzing the patterns of distribution of cytoskeletal elements.
  • Inferences are drawn from structural observations and limited experimental data.

Main Results:

  • Actin filaments form specialized structures (ectoplasmic specializations, tubulobulbar complexes) involved in cell adhesion and sperm movement.
  • Intermediate filaments are of the vimentin type, forming a network that may maintain tissue integrity.
  • Microtubules maintain cell shape, organelle positioning, and fluid secretion, and are linked to junctions for spermatid positioning.

Conclusions:

  • The Sertoli cell cytoskeleton exhibits unique properties essential for spermatogenesis.
  • It plays critical roles in cell adhesion, tissue maintenance, and germ cell development.
  • Cytoskeletal organization facilitates interactions between Sertoli cells and germ cells.