Seminiferous tubules

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Seminiferous tubules
Transverse section through the left side of the scrotum and the left testis. (Semeniferous tubules visible in center, but not labeled.)
1: Testicular septa 2: Convoluted seminiferous tubules 3: Testicular lobules 4: Straight seminiferous tubules 5: Efferent ductules 6: Rete testis
Latin	tubuli seminiferi
Gray's	subject #258 1243
MeSH	Seminiferous+Tubules

Seminiferous tubules are located in the testicles, and are the specific location of meiosis, and the subsequent creation of gametes, namely spermatozoa.

The epithelium of the tubule consists of sustentacular or Sertoli cells, which are tall, columnar type cells that line the tubule.

In between the Sertoli cells are spermatogenic cells, which differentiate through meiosis to sperm cells.

There are two types: convoluted and straight.

[edit] See also

• Leydig cells

[edit] External links

• Histology at BU 17802loa
• Image
• Diagram

v • d • e Male reproductive system Scrotum layers (skin, Dartos, External spermatic fascia, Cremaster/Cremasteric fascia, Internal spermatic fascia) • Perineal raphe • Spermatic cord Testes layers (Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea, Tunica vasculosa testis) • Appendix • Mediastinum • Lobules • Septa • Leydig cell • Sertoli cell • Blood-testis barrier Spermatogenesis Spermatogonium • Spermatocytogenesis • Spermatocyte • Spermatidogenesis • Spermatid • Spermiogenesis • Spermatozoon seminal tract Seminiferous tubules (Tubuli seminiferi recti, Rete testis, Efferent ducts) • Epididymis  (Appendix, Stereocilia) • Vas deferens (Ampulla) • Ejaculatory duct urinary tract Internal urethral orifice • Urethra (Prostatic, Intermediate, Spongy, Navicular fossa) • External urethral orifice accessory glands Seminal vesicles  (Excretory duct of seminal gland) • Prostate  (Urethral crest/Seminal colliculus/Prostatic utricle/Ejaculatory duct, Prostatic sinus/Prostatic ducts) • Bulbourethral glands Penis root (Crus, Bulb, Fundiform ligament, Suspensory ligament) • body (Corpus cavernosum, Corpus spongiosum) • glans (Foreskin, Frenulum, Corona) • fascia (superficial/subcutaneous, deep/Buck's) • Tunica albuginea - Septum of the penis