Changes

'''Testicular Capsule'''

'''Testicular Capsule'''

*Visceral Vaginal Tunic - The second peritoneum layer within the scrotum. This layer is closely applied to the Tunica Albuginea.

*Visceral Vaginal Tunic - The second peritoneum layer within the scrotum. This layer is closely applied to the Tunica Albuginea.

*Tunica Albuginea - A connective tissue layer containing some smooth muscle fibres. The Tunica Albuginea sends projections from the capsules into the testicular parenchyma that join up with the mediastinum of the testis forming lobules. Contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle fibres within the Tunica Albuginea in response to Acetylcholine and Norepinephrine results in a pumping action facilitating the flow of spermatozoa through the tubules of the testes.

*Tunica Albuginea - A connective tissue layer containing some smooth muscle fibres. The tunica albuginea sends projections from the capsules into the testicular parenchyma that join up with the mediastinum of the testis forming lobules. Contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle fibres within the tunica albuginea in response to acetylcholine and norepinephrine results in a pumping action facilitating the flow of spermatozoa through the tubules of the testes.

'''Testicular Parenchyma'''

'''Testicular Parenchyma'''

*Interstitial Leydig cells - Produce the androgen testosterone important for supporting spermatogenesis.

*Interstitial Leydig cells - Produce the androgen testosterone important for supporting spermatogenesis.

*Capillaries, Lymphatic vessels, connective tissue.

*Capillaries, Lymphatic vessels, connective tissue.

'''Tubular Compartment'''

'''Tubular Compartment'''

*Seminiferous Tubules - Make up highly convoluted tubule network within the testicular parenchyma. These seminiferous tubules connect to Rete tubules. The Seminiferous epithelium making up the tubules can be devided into two compartments seperated by junctional complexes between the somatic Sertoli cells within the epithelium:

*Seminiferous tubules - Make up highly convoluted tubule network within the testicular parenchyma. These seminiferous tubules connect to rete tubules. The seminiferous epithelium making up the tubules can be divided into two compartments seperated by junctional complexes between the somatic Sertoli cells within the epithelium:

**Basal Compartment - containing spermatogonia, proliferating germ cells.

**Basal compartment - containing spermatogonia and proliferating germ cells.

**Adluminal Compartment - Containing Spermatocytes, Spermatids and spermatozoa

**Adluminal compartment - containing spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa

The Sertoli cells are much larger than the developing germ cells and span the basement membrane to the lumen of the seminipherous tubules. Their function is provide support to developing germ cells and form the blood-testis barrier. Each sertoli cell can only support a maximum number of developing germ cells. Therefore, the number of sertoli cells within a testis determine the sperm production capabilities of that individual.

The Sertoli cells are much larger than the developing germ cells and span the basement membrane to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Their function is provide support to developing germ cells and form the blood-testis barrier. Each Sertoli cell can only support a certain number of developing germ cells. Therefore, the number of Sertoli cells within a testis determines the sperm production capabilities of that individual.

*Peritubular cells - contractile cells surrounding the seminipherous tubules

*Peritubular cells - contractile cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules

==Comparative Testicular Architecture==

==Comparative Testicular Architecture==

There are species differences between Sertoli cell number and parenchyma composition. In the Boar the parenchyma is made up from many Leydig cells and little lymph space, humans and Rams contain slighly more lymph space and the rat parenchyma is mainly lymph space with few leydig cells.

There are species differences between Sertoli cell number and parenchyma composition. In the boar the parenchyma is made up from many Leydig cells and little lymph space, humans and rams contain slighly more lymph space and the rat parenchyma is mainly lymph space with few Leydig cells.

==Function==

==Function==