Skip to content
ICSE Question Bank
2017Q5(a)(ii)The Reproductive System
Short answerModerate1 mark
5(a)

The diagram shown below is the longitudinal section of a testis of man. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow: The diagram shown below is the longitudinal section of a testis of man. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Figure for this question

In which part of the testis are the sperms produced?

Topic: Seminiferous tubules

Previous-year question practice database

Answer

Exam answer

In the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES.

Explanation

The seminiferous tubules are the coiled tubes filling the interior of the testis, where SPERMATOGENESIS takes place.

THE TESTIS DOES TWO JOBS THROUGH TWO DIFFERENT STRUCTURES, and swapping them is the commonest error: SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES — make the SPERMS (the gametes) LEYDIG CELLS — make the HORMONE, testosterone

The testis is therefore both an EXOCRINE organ (releasing sperms through a duct) and an ENDOCRINE one (releasing testosterone into the blood).

The tubules are tightly coiled so that an enormous length fits into a small organ — which maximises sperm production.

More from The Reproductive System

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium shed?2026The surgical technique for females that can be used to prevent pregnancy.2026Fill in the blanks (a) to (e) with reference to the diagram of the human sperm: (a) The cap-like structure covering the head of the sperm is the __________. (b) The enzyme produced by it is __________. (c) The nucleus of the sperm contains __________ chromosomes. (d) The middle piece contains __________, which supply energy for motility. (e) The mixture of sperms and the secretions of the male accessory glands is called __________.2026Morula, Blastocyst, Oviduct, Foetus2026Where is the prostate gland located?2026Why does the prostate gland produce an alkaline secretion?2026