a-short-review-of-histology

Seminiferous Tubules:

The seminiferous tubules are blind-ended tubules where spermatozoa are produced
Each seminiferous tubule consists of a complex stratified epithelium surrounding a lumen
The epithelium sits on a basement membrane
Outside the basement membrane is a few layers of flattened contractile cells known as myoid cells
The myoid cells are contractile and provide gentle peristaltic movements which aid in the passage of spermatozoa along the seminiferous tubule
The epithelium of the seminiferous tubule consist of two populations:

Spermatogonia are located near to the basement membrane and divide by mitotic division
Some spermatogonia undergo a process of differentiation, including meiotic division, which gives rise to tadpole like spermatozoa
As this process progresses the more advances stages become localised adjacent to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and the formed spermatozoa (after about 64 days in the productive process) are released into the lumen

These cells are the support cells for spermatogenesis
They provide protection to the developing spermatozoa as well as nutrients and growth factors to support their production

Micrograph of Seminiferous Tubules:

1 = Leydig cells

2 = Lumen of seminiferous tubule