Back
ditki Logo
medical & biological sciences
Testes Anatomy & Histology
Start your One-Week Free Trial
Already subscribed? Log in »

Testes Anatomy & Histology

Testes
The testes reside outside the body core where the temperature is more suitable for spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production.
The outer surface of the testis is the tunica albuginea; “tunica” means membranous sheath, and “albuginea” refers to its bluish-white color.
The mediastinum is where the tunica albuginea forms a thickened ridge along the posterior aspect of the testis.
The tunica albuginea extends into the testis to form septa, which create lobules; the lobules contain seminiferous tubules.
The seminiferous tubules are where sperm are produced under the direction of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone.
Testicular Anatomy & Histology
Immature sperm exit the seminiferous tubules via straight tubules, which deliver them to the rete testis in the mediastinum.
The rete testis concentrates non-motile sperm before they are moved to the epididymis via the efferent ductules.
The epididymis comprises a single tightly coiled duct; sperm are moved through the head, body, and tail, with fluid reabsorption and concentration continuing throughout. Sperm cells are stored in the epididymis for approximately two weeks, during which time they achieve motility.
The tail of the epididymis is continuous with the ductus deferens, which transports the sperm through the spermatic cord and ultimately to the ejaculatory duct, where the sperm cells join with various fluids to form semen.
The tunica vaginalis is a double-layered sac that comprises a visceral layer that overlies the tunica albuginea, and a parietal layer, which is in contact with the innermost layer of the scrotum. Label the cavity between the visceral and parietal layers; this potential space contains a small amount of fluid, which allows for movement of the testicles within the scrotum.

Related Tutorials