Spermatogenesis Overview and Phases

The process of sperm cell formation in males

Another name for sperm cells

The front part of the sperm cell containing the nucleus and acrosomal cap

Structure containing enzymes that enable sperm to penetrate the egg

Contains mitochondria for ATP production to power the tail

Contains flagellum for sperm movement

Location of sperm formation within the testes

A nucleus that contains half the number of chromosomes found in a normal cell

The part of the sperm that creates energy for movement

Spermatogenesis takes 64-74 days to complete and produces about 300 million sperm cells daily

Specialized cells that divide by mitosis to form primary spermatocytes.

Cells formed from type B spermatogonia through mitosis. They undergo meiosis to produce haploid sperm cells.

They undergo meiosis, a specialized type of cell division that produces haploid sperm cells.

They undergo mitosis, producing more type B spermatogonia which eventually become primary spermatocytes.

A chromosome formed during meiosis, containing genetic material from both parents.

The first stage of spermatogenesis, involving spermatogonia.

A cell division process that creates two identical daughter cells.

Stage in spermatogenesis where primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis.

A cell division process that produces four haploid gametes from one diploid cell, leading to genetic diversity.

Having half the number of chromosomes as a diploid cell.

Having a full set of chromosomes.

The final stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids mature into sperm.

Haploid cells that develop into sperm.

Early embryonic cells that give rise to spermatogonia.

Spermatogonia that undergo mitosis.

Stem cells that divide mitotically to maintain the spermatogonial population.

A haploid (1n) cell formed after meiosis I. It has half the number of chromosomes as the original primary spermatocyte.

A cap-like structure at the head of a sperm containing enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg.

The process of sperm cell production in the testes involving several stages, including formation of the acrosome, nuclear condensation, and development of the neck, middle, and tail pieces.

The first stage of spermatogenesis, where the acrosomal cap forms on the sperm head, containing enzymes essential for egg penetration.

The second stage of spermatogenesis where the nucleus within the sperm cell compacts, preparing for its role in fertilization.

Once sperm cells are mature, they acquire motility or the ability to move, which occurs in the epididymis.

As sperm cells develop, they shed excess cytoplasm as residual bodies, a necessary step for efficient movement.

Spermatogenesis is controlled by hormones, primarily testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), produced by the testes and pituitary gland respectively.

Testosterone produced by Leydig cells in the testes binds to Sertoli cells to promote spermatogenesis, while FSH stimulates testicular fluid production.

Sertoli cells possess androgen receptor proteins, allowing them to bind testosterone and contribute to the regulation of spermatogenesis.