False-colour scanning electron micrograph of a section through a human testicle showing a seminiferous tubule, where sperm are produced and mature. Th


False-colour scanning electron micrograph of a section through a human testicle showing a seminiferous tubule, where sperm are produced and mature. The tubule is lined by a stratified epithelium consisting of two types of cell; spermatogenic cells responsible for the production of sperm & Sertoli cells which nourish the developing sperm, or spermatid. The mature sex cells, or spermatozoa, are easily distinguished by their long tails which extend into the tubule cavity. The sperm are released into the cavity and migrate up into the epididymis, where they remain until needed. Magnification: x200 at 6x7cm size.


Size: 4833px × 3925px
Photo credit: © CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: anatomy, body, human, male, reproduction, reproductive, seminiferous, site, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, system, testis, tubule