L3.2.1: Testes

• Testes (Primary reproductive organs)

  ● Have an exocrine function (sperm production)

  ➔ Site of Spermatogenesis = Process of formation and development of sperm cells.

  ● Have an endocrine function (testosterone production)
• Testes (Primary reproductive organs)

  ● There are 2 testes (Singular = testis) and they each have a hanged appearance

  ● Each testis is connected to the trunk via the spermatic cord that holds:

  ➔ Blood vessels = Transport nutrients

  ➔ Nerves = Ensure activities take place

  ➔ Ductus (vas) deferens = Bring sperm and other contents to where they have to be directed
• Coverings of the Testes

  [1] Tunica albuginea

  ● Fibrous connective tissue capsule that surrounds each testis

  [2] Septa

  ● Extensions of the capsule (Tunica albuginea) that extend deeper into the testis and divide it into lobules.

  ● Each lobule contains:

  ➔ 1-4 Seminiferous Tubules
• Testes – Primary Sex Organ

  ○ Each testis is connected to the trunk via the spermatic cord which houses:

  ■ Blood vessels - supply of nourishment and oxygenation to the organ.

  ■ Nerves - allow activities to take place.

  ■ Ductus deferens - ensure that the contents released are directed to where it’s needed.

  ○ Coverings of the testes:

  ■ Tunica Albuginea: a capsule that surrounds each testis.

  ■ Septa: extensions of the capsule that divides it into lobules. Appropriate partition and proper placing/spacing.
• Testes – Primary Sex Organ

  ○ The reason why the testes are away from the body is for it to maintain an adequate temperature for the viability of the sperm. Separated from the core.

  ○ Capable of producing sex hormones via the influence of the endocrine system (pituitary gland).
• The Path of Sperm (From the Testes to the External Environment)

  1. Seminiferous tubules
  2. Rete testis
  3. Epididymis
  4. Ductus (vas) deferens
  5. Urethra
• Seminiferous Tubules

  ● “Sperm-forming factories”

  ● Empty the sperm into the:

  ➔ Rete testis (another set of tubules) that is located to one side of the testis

  ➔ After the rete testis, the sperm enters the first part of the duct system