Spermatogenesis- ClinicalKey 4/3/19, 7)50 AM

BOOK CHAPTER

Spermatogenesis
Abraham L. Kierszenbaum M.D., Ph.D. and Laura L. Tres M.D., Ph.D.
Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology, 20., 611-644

The male reproductive system is responsible for (1) the continuous production, nourishment,
and temporary storage of the haploid male gamete (spermatozoa [sing. spermatozoon], or
sperm); and (2) the synthesis and secretion of male sex hormones (androgens). The male
reproductive system consists of (1) the testes, which produce sperm and synthesize and secrete
androgens; (2) the epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and a segment of the male
urethra, which form the excurrent duct system responsible for the transport of spermatozoa to
the exterior; (3) accessory glands, the seminal vesicle, the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral
glands of Cowper, whose secretions form the bulk of the semen and provide nutrients to
ejaculated spermatozoa; and (4) the penis, the copulatory organ, formed of erectile tissue. The
testes, epididymis, and the initial part of the vas deferens are located in the scrotal sac, a skin-
covered pouch enclosing a mesothelium-lined cavity—the tunica vaginalis. This chapter is
focused on structural and functional aspects of sperm development, pathologic conditions
related to male infertility, genomic imprinting, and testicular tumors.

The testes
The testes are paired organs located in the scrotum, outside the abdominal cavity. This location
enables maintenance of the testes at a temperature 2°C to 3°C below body temperature. A
temperature of 34°C to 35°C is essential for normal spermatogenesis.

The posterior surface of the mature testes is associated with the epididymis. Both testes and
epididymis are suspended in the scrotal sac by the spermatic cord , which contains the vas
deferens , the spermatic artery , and the venous and lymphatic plexuses.

Each testis is enclosed by the tunica albuginea , which is thickened to form the
mediastinum where the rete testis is located ( Figure 20-1 (f1) ). Fibrous septa from the
mediastinum project into the testicular mass, dividing the tissue into 250 to 300 lobules. Each
lobule contains one to four seminiferous tubules.

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Figure 20-1
Testes, epididymis, and vas deferens

Each seminiferous tubule is about 150 µm in diameter and 80 cm long; it is U-shaped with the
two ends opening in the rete testis. The rete testis is a network of channels that collects the
products of the seminiferous epithelium (testicular sperm, secretory proteins, fluid, and
ions).

The seminiferous tubule ( Figure 20-2 (f2) ) consists of a central lumen lined by a specialized
seminiferous epithelium containing two distinct cell populations:

1. The somatic Sertoli cells.

2. The spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids).

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Figure 20-2
General organization of the seminiferous tubules

The seminiferous epithelium is encircled by a basement membrane and a wall formed by

collagenous fibers, fibroblasts, and contractile myoid cells. Myoid cells are responsible
for the rhythmic contractile activity that propels the nonmotile sperm to the rete testis.
Sperm acquire forward motility after they have passed through the epididymal duct.

The space in between the seminiferous tubules is occupied by abundant blood vessels (arterioles,
capillaries, and venules) and aggregates of the androgen-producing Leydig cells. Lymphatic
channels, in close proximity to Leydig cells, encircle each seminiferous tubule (see Figure 20-2 (f2)
).

We initiate this chapter by describing the histology of the testes seen with light microscopy (
Figures 20-3 (f3) and 20-4 (f4) ) and electron microscopy ( Figure 20-5 (f5) ).

Figure 20-3
General histologic structure of the testes

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Figure 20-4
Identification of seminiferous epithelial cells

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Figure 20-5
Human seminiferous epithelium

Seminiferous epithelium
The seminiferous epithelium can be classified as a stratified epithelium with rather unusual
characteristics not found in any stratified epithelium of the body.

In this stratified epithelium, somatic columnar Sertoli cells interact with mitotically dividing
spermatogonia, meiotically dividing spermatocytes, and a haploid population of spermatids
undergoing a differentiation process called spermiogenesis.

Figure 20-3 (f3) illustrates several cross sections of seminiferous tubules. Note that irregular
arrangement of seminiferous tubules generates different profiles in the sections.

A more detailed view of the seminiferous epithelium is seen in Figure 20-4 (f4) . Different
structural types of nuclei can be appreciated:

1. The nuclei of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells are closely associated to the seminiferous
tubular wall.

2. Overlying the spermatogonial cell population are the primary spermatocytes. Their nuclei
are larger and clumps of chromatin represent the meiotic chromosomes.

3. Close to the lumen are the early spermatids with a round light nucleus and the late
spermatids with a cylindrical-shaped condensed nuclei.

Figure 20-5 (f5) illustrates in an electron micrograph the basal lamina and fibrillar components of
the seminiferous tubular wall and the nuclear characteristics of two Sertoli cells, spermatogonia,
and primary spermatocytes. Note how Sertoli cell processes extend between the spermatogenic
cells.

The next step is to provide additional information to help understand why each cell progeny
occupies a specific space in the seminiferous epithelium

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

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