Atrophic Testis
Atrophic Testis

Atrophic Testis

In this image of an atrophic testis, observe the cells present in the tissue. The seminiferous tubules contain Sertoli cells, but none of the characteristic cells of spermatogenesis. Abundant Leydig cells remain in the interstitium. The basement membrane also appears thicker than normal. Atrophic testes occur in cryptorchidism, when the glands fail to descend into the scrotum. How would you expect the levels of testosterone to compare to a health male individual?
Answer: Because the number of Leydig cells does not change, the levels of testosterone should be similar to a healthy male.