JoVE Logo

Sign In

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 arranged in layers along the walls of the seminiferous tubules. They differentiate with support and nourishment from Sertoli cells to form mature sperm towards the lumenal end. Between the adjacent seminiferous tubules are interstitial cells, also known as Leydig cells. These cells are essential in producing androgens, including testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

The testicles receive oxygenated blood through long testicular arteries. A network of veins, called the pampiniform plexus, surrounds these arteries. These veins are responsible for draining the deoxygenated blood from the testicles and absorbing heat from the incoming arterial blood. This process ensures that the testicular tissue is optimally nourished and maintained at the correct temperature for healthy sperm production. Deviation from the optimal temperature range can disturb the delicate process of sperm production, leading to a decrease in fertility. As a result, it is crucial to maintain the correct temperature for the testes to function correctly.

From Chapter 31:

article

Now Playing

31.3 : Testes: Histology

The Reproductive System

131 Views

article

31.1 : Overview of the Reproductive System

The Reproductive System

155 Views

article

31.2 : Testes: Gross Anatomy

The Reproductive System

834 Views

article

31.4 : Spermatogenesis

The Reproductive System

200 Views

article

31.5 : Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

The Reproductive System

87 Views

article

31.6 : Penis

The Reproductive System

890 Views

article

31.7 : Sperm Transport

The Reproductive System

109 Views

article

31.8 : Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The Reproductive System

859 Views

article

31.9 : Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

The Reproductive System

69 Views

article

31.10 : Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation

The Reproductive System

360 Views

article

31.11 : Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The Reproductive System

103 Views

article

31.12 : External Female Genitals

The Reproductive System

384 Views

article

31.13 : Vagina

The Reproductive System

943 Views

article

31.14 : Ovaries

The Reproductive System

288 Views

article

31.15 : Ovarian Cycle

The Reproductive System

326 Views

See More

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved