Sperm production takes place in the
seminiferous tubules of the testis. Cells (shown in green) which line the seminiferous tubules of the testes and nurture the generation of spermatozoa (spermatogenesis).
Sperm production takes place in the
seminiferous tubules of the testis.
Cells (shown in green) which line
the seminiferous tubules of the testes and nurture the generation of
spermatozoa (spermatogenesis).
Each testis contains about 500 tubules arranged in loops - each tubule is lined with Sertoli cells which control spermatogenesis and are sensitive to the hormone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). The Sertoli cells also segregate the developing sperm from the blood supply and hence from the immune response system which would recognize the spermatozoa as foreign cells - sometimes this breaks down giving rise to immunological problems where clumping of the spermatozoa in the semen takes place.
In some men there is a condition known as 'Sertoli cell only 'syndrome - where there are no spermatogenic cells to generate spermatozoa - only the supporting Sertoli cells.