Seminiferous Tubule Anatomy and Cell Types

Vocabulary flashcards identifying the key cell types and structures found in the diagrammatic sectional view of a seminiferous tubule based on Figure 2.5.

Spermatogonium

A precursor germ cell located within the seminiferous tubule that initiates the process of sperm production.

Sertoli cell

A specialized cell within the seminiferous tubule that provides support and nourishment to developing sperm cells.

Primary spermatocyte

A cell stage in the seminiferous tubule that undergoes division to form secondary spermatocytes.

Secondary spermatocyte

A cell stage in the seminiferous tubule that is derived from a primary spermatocyte and further develops into spermatids.

Spermatid

An immature sperm cell stage in the seminiferous tubule produced after the secondary spermatocyte stage.

Spermatozoa

The mature, motile sperm cells that represent the final stage of development in the seminiferous tubule.

Seminiferous tubule

The anatomical structure shown in Figure 2.5, depicted in an enlarged sectional view, where various stages of sperm development occur.