Blood-testis barrier

Blood-testis barrier (pronunciation: /blʌdˈtɛstɪs bærɪər/) is a physical barrier between the Blood vessels in the Testis and the Seminiferous tubules. The barrier is formed by tight junctions, adherens junctions and gap junctions between the Sertoli cells, which are located in the Seminiferous epithelium of the testis.

Etymology

The term "Blood-testis barrier" is derived from its function and location. The word "blood" refers to the Blood vessels that supply the testis, "testis" is the Latin word for the male gonad, and "barrier" refers to the function of the structure, which is to prevent certain substances from moving between the blood and the seminiferous tubules.

Function

The primary function of the blood-testis barrier is to protect the developing Sperm from harmful substances in the blood. It also prevents the immune system from recognizing the antigens produced by the developing sperm, which are different from the body's own antigens, and launching an immune response against them.

Related Terms

Sertoli cells: These are the cells that form the blood-testis barrier. They are located in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis.
Seminiferous tubules: These are the structures in the testis where sperm are produced. The blood-testis barrier separates these tubules from the blood vessels in the testis.
Blood vessels: These are the structures that carry blood to and from the testis. The blood-testis barrier prevents certain substances in the blood from reaching the seminiferous tubules.
Sperm: These are the male reproductive cells. They are produced in the seminiferous tubules and are protected by the blood-testis barrier.