Testis physiology-overview and histology

Abstract

In this article, we cover the main aspects related to testis structure and function, particularly those related to germ cells and support cells present in the seminiferous epithelium and cytoarchitecture of steroidogenic Leydig cells located in the intertubular compartment. A brief description of spermatogenesis, from undifferentiated spermatogonia to sperm formation, as well the organization of germ cells in stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle and its duration, is also presented. Finally, we describe the key functions accomplished by Sertoli and Leydig cells and the most important parameters related to the magnitude of sperm production in different mammalian species. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.