seminiferous tubule
1
7.9
- noun
- /ˌsɛmɪˈnɪfərəs ˈtjuːbiːl/
- Specialized
:
túbulo seminífero
- The seminiferous tubules are essential for the production and maturation of sperm in the male reproductive system.
Examples
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The apoptotic index was defined as the number of apoptotic TUNEL-positive cells in 20 circular seminiferous tubule cross-sections per testis section.
Blog text (23) -
Once a sperm has matured, it is transported through the long seminiferous tubules and is stored in the epididymis of the testes until it is ready to leave the body.
Academic text (2015) -
Lead induced apparent damage and reduction in the number, changes in shape and size of developing seminiferous tubules.
Academic text (2015) -
The testes are composed of numerous thin, tightly coiled tubules—the seminiferous tubules.
Academic text (2015) -
Each seminiferous tubule within the testis plays a crucial role in the process of spermatogenesis.
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Sperm cells develop and mature in the seminiferous tubules before being transported to the epididymis.
Synonyms
2
7.7
A very small tube in living things that carries liquid
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is compositionally predictable from seminiferous (producing semen/sperm) + tubule (small tube): a small coiled tube involved in sperm production. Although the term is technical and Latin-derived, the adjective+noun combination follows regular morphological composition, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Seminiferous tubule comes from old word parts: semin- meaning 'seed', -ferous meaning 'carrying', and tubule meaning 'small tube'. These tiny tubes in the testis are where 'seed' (sperm) develop, so the name literally tells you they make and carry sperm.