ABSTRACT
This takes place in the seminiferous tubules (Figure 1) under the influence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the pituitary gland. The tubules are lined with spermocytogenic epithelium (Figure 2a), and contained in some 250 lobules demarcated by fibrous septula in each testis (see Figure 1). Leydig cells form the interstitial tissue between the seminiferous coils (Figure 2b), and secrete male hormone, testosterone, under the influence of pituitary ICSH (interstitial cell stimulating hormone). Testosterone is essential for the growth and integrity of the male accessory sex organs and secondary sex characteristics.
