WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Male reproductive system

Slide 122. Testis.

Staining: hematoxylin and eosin.

Magnification: x80.

Externally, the Testis is enclosed by a capsule—the tunica albuginea (1)—covered with mesothelium. Connective Tissue septa grow inward from the capsule, dividing the testis into lobules. Each lobule contains cross- or obliquely sectioned convoluted seminiferous tubules (2). The wall of each tubule is thin. The tubular lumen contains spermatogenic Cells at various stages of maturation along with sustentacular cells, or Sertoli cells. The layer of cells closest to the tubular basement membrane features small nuclei undergoing mitosis; these are spermatogonia (3) (see separate high-magnification figure). Interspersed among them are pyramidal cells with pale nuclei—sustentacular cells (4). The subsequent layers sequentially comprise Primary and secondary spermatocytes (5), which possess larger and paler nuclei compared to spermatogonia. Closest to the lumen of the tubule lie spermatids—small polygonal or elongated cells. Among them, superficial spermatozoa (7) can be distinguished; their heads are oriented toward the spermatid layer, while their flagella (tails) project into the tubular lumen.

Between the seminiferous tubules lies loose connective (interstitial) tissue containing Blood Vessels, nerves, and prominent cells with round, pale nuclei (8). These are interstitial endocrinocytes, or Leydig cells (testicular endocrinocytes responsible for The production of testosterone, the male sex hormone).

Class="center">Cytology/practical/practical.files/image130.jpg" width="358"/>

Slide 122. Testis.