Question

Draw a labelled diagram of the sectional view of seminiferous tubules.

Hint:

Order from wall to lumen: spermatogonia → spermatocytes → spermatids → sperm.

Answer 1

Step 1: Overall structure:
A cross-section of a seminiferous tubule shows a tube bounded by an outer basement membrane. Between the tubules, in the interstitial spaces, lie clusters of Leydig (interstitial) cells that secrete testosterone.

Step 2: Arrangement of cells from periphery to lumen:
Just inside the basement membrane are the spermatogonia (2n, dividing by mitosis). Moving inward: primary spermatocytes (2n), then secondary spermatocytes (n) after meiosis I, then spermatids (n) after meiosis II, and finally maturing spermatozoa are released near the lumen. Tall Sertoli (nurse) cells extend from the basement membrane to the lumen, nourishing the developing germ cells throughout this sequence.

Final Answer:
A diagram should show, from the outer basement membrane inward: spermatogonia → primary spermatocytes → secondary spermatocytes → spermatids → spermatozoa (at the lumen), with interspersed Sertoli cells and Leydig cells shown outside the tubule in the interstitial space.