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Longitudinal section through the left side of the scrotum and the left testis (seminiferous tubules visible in center, but not labeled). Seminiferous tubule (transverse section). Photomicrograph of section through rat testis, showing seminiferous tubules.
A testicle or testis (pl. testes) is the gonad in all male bilaterians, including humans, and is homologous to the ovary in females. Its primary functions are the production of sperm and the secretion of androgens, primarily testosterone. The release of testosterone is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland.
The mediastinum testis is a thick yet incomplete septum at the posterior part of the testis formed by the tunica albuginea of testis projecting into the testis at its posterior aspect where the testis is not lined by the serous membrane to allow for the attachment of the epididymis.
The lobules are conical in shape, the base being directed toward the circumference of the organ, the apex toward the mediastinum testis. Each lobule is contained in one of the intervals between the fibrous septa which extend between the mediastinum testis and the tunica albuginea , and consists of from one to three, or more, minute convoluted ...
The tunica albuginea is a dense, [1] [2] blue-white [3] layer of fibrous tissue surrounding the testis. [1] [4] It is the middle of three envelopes forming the capsule of the testis; it is deep to the visceral layer of tunica vaginalis, and superficial to the tunica vasculosa testis (vascular layer of testis).
The septa testis are fibrous partitions of the testis dividing the testis into compartments - the lobules of the testis. The septa are formed by extensions of the tunica albuginea - the dense fibrous connective tissue surface covering of the testis - into the substance of the testis. The septa converge towards the mediastinum testis. [1]
It carries with it the ductus deference, which are testicular vessels and nerves, a portion of the abdominal muscle, and lymph vessels. All of the structures remain attached to the testis and form what is known as the spermatic cord. By the time the testis is in the scrotal sac, the gubernaculum is no more than a remnant of scar like tissue. [10]
Testicular descent occurs to a variable degree in various mammals, ranging from virtually no change of position from the abdominal cavity (monotremes, elephants, and hyraxes); through migration to the caudal end of the abdominal cavity (armadillos, whales, and dolphins); migration just through the abdominal wall (hedgehogs, moles, seals ...