Question

The given diagram shows the sectional view of a seminiferous tubule of Human testis:

1. Name and describe the process depicted in the diagram which results in the development of spermatozoa.
2. Identify the cell where you are seeing a cluster of spermatozoa attached in the diagram. Write the function of the cell.

Answer 1

1. Spermatogenesis refers to the process indicated in the figure that results in the formation of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis is the process by which spermatogonia in the testes' seminiferous tubules undergo mitosis followed by meiosis, resulting in haploid sperm cells or spermatozoa. These spermatozoa finally develop and are discharged into the seminiferous tubules to go through the male reproductive system.
2. In the diagram, the cell with a cluster of spermatozoa is most likely a Sertoli cell. Sertoli cells are supporting cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. They give physical and nutritional support for the development of sperm cells during spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells also help regulate spermatogenesis by producing a variety of growth factors and hormones.