Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Biological Systems MCAT Exam. Ace your test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Be prepared for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What structure is responsible for the production of sperm?

Sertoli cells
Leydig cells
Seminal vesicles
Epididymis

The correct answer is: Sertoli cells

The structure responsible for the production of sperm is the Sertoli cells. These cells are located within the seminiferous tubules of the testes and play a crucial role in spermatogenesis, the process by which sperm cells are produced. Sertoli cells provide nourishment and structural support for developing sperm cells, and they also help regulate the environment within the seminiferous tubules, creating optimal conditions for sperm maturation. To further clarify, Leydig cells, which are found in the interstitial tissue of the testes, are more involved in the production of testosterone rather than the production of sperm itself. Seminal vesicles and the epididymis are also important structures within the male reproductive system; seminal vesicles contribute to the formation of seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, while the epididymis is where sperm mature and are stored after being produced in the testes. However, neither of these structures is directly responsible for the actual production of sperm.