The histological finding where spermatogenesis is present with few cells in the seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased sperm in the ejaculate?

The histological finding where spermatogenesis is present with few cells in the seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased sperm in the ejaculate?

• A. Hypospermatogenesis
• B. Oligospermia
• C. Decreased spermatogenesis
• D. Spermatogenic arrest

Answer: (C)

When histology shows spermatogenesis continuing but with far fewer germ cells lining the seminiferous tubules, the pattern described is hypospermatogenesis. In hypospermatogenesis, all stages of germ cell development are present, but their numbers are reduced, so sperm production is diminished. This leads to a decreased sperm count in the ejaculate. This differs from spermatogenic arrest, where development halts at a particular stage and later-stage cells are absent, and from oligospermia, which is a clinical term for low sperm concentration in semen rather than a tubule histology pattern. The description given—spermatogenesis present, but in low numbers—best fits hypospermatogenesis.

When histology shows spermatogenesis continuing but with far fewer germ cells lining the seminiferous tubules, the pattern described is hypospermatogenesis. In hypospermatogenesis, all stages of germ cell development are present, but their numbers are reduced, so sperm production is diminished. This leads to a decreased sperm count in the ejaculate.

This differs from spermatogenic arrest, where development halts at a particular stage and later-stage cells are absent, and from oligospermia, which is a clinical term for low sperm concentration in semen rather than a tubule histology pattern. The description given—spermatogenesis present, but in low numbers—best fits hypospermatogenesis.