Short answerModerate1 mark
7(iv)
What is the role of the following?
Seminiferous tubules
Topic: Seminiferous tubules
Previous-year question practice database
Answer
Exam answer
The SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES are the coiled tubes inside the testis in which the SPERMS ARE PRODUCED (spermatogenesis).
Explanation
So the testis does TWO jobs through two different structures, and this pair of questions is designed to test that you know which: SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES — make the SPERMS (the gametes) LEYDIG CELLS — make the HORMONE, testosterone Swapping them is the commonest error in this question.
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 a very great length of them fits into a small organ, which maximises sperm production.
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