What is "germinal epithelium"

The ovarian surface epithelium, also called the germinal epithelium of Waldeyer, is a layer of simple squamous-to- cuboidal epithelial cells covering the ovary.

The term germinal epithelium is a misnomer as it does not give rise to primary follicles.

Germinal epithelium can refer to:

• Germinal epithelium (female), a layer of cells covering the ovary
• Germinal epithelium (male), a layer of cells covering the testicle
• Germ layer, primary tissue layer formed during embryogenesis in animals

The germinal epithelium is the innermost layer of the testicle.

Germinal epithelium is also known as the wall of the seminiferous tubule within the testes. The cells in the epithelium are connected via tight junctions.