Spermatogenesis Process Quiz

A vital organ in the male reproductive system responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

A fibrous capsule surrounding the testes, providing structure and protection.

A network of tubules within each testicular lobule where sperm cells undergo development and maturation.

Specialized cells within the seminiferous tubules that provide support, nourishment and regulate sperm production.

The coiled tube attached to the testes where sperm is stored and matures before ejaculation.

A duct that carries mature sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord into the ejaculatory duct.

Paired glands that contribute a significant portion of the seminal fluid, containing nutrients and substances that enhance sperm motility and survival.

The largest accessory sex gland in men, producing a fluid that helps activate sperm and contributes to the overall volume of ejaculate.

A diploid (2N) germ cell that acts as a stem cell in the testes. It divides mitotically to produce more spermatogonia and to eventually give rise to primary spermatocytes.

A haploid (N) cell that is produced by meiosis II from a secondary spermatocyte. It is still immature and must undergo the process of spermiogenesis to become a sperm cell.

The process of sperm cell development, involving three stages: spermatocytogenesis, spermatidogenesis, and spermiogenesis.

The stage of spermatogenesis where spermatogonia divide mitotically to produce more spermatogonia and eventually primary spermatocytes.

The stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids undergo a series of changes to become mature sperm cells.

The cap-like structure that forms over the head of a developing sperm cell during spermiogenesis.

A coiled structure in the middle piece of a sperm cell that contains mitochondria, providing energy for movement.

The elongated tail of a sperm cell, responsible for propelling the sperm towards the egg.

The secondary oocyte is a mature, but not fully developed, egg cell. It has undergone the first division of meiosis, resulting in 23 chromosomes. It contains all the cytoplasm and organelles and enters meiosis II but stops in metaphase II until fertilization.

A fertilized ovum is a diploid cell that results from the fusion of a sperm and a secondary oocyte. It has the full set of chromosomes - 23 from the sperm and 23 from the egg.

The Follicular Phase is the first phase of the ovarian cycle. It is characterized by the growth and development of the primary oocyte within a follicle and the production of estrogen by the follicle cells. It starts on day 1 and ends on day 13 or 14, depending on the individual.

Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. It occurs on day 13 or 14 due to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.

The Luteal Phase is the latter part of the ovarian cycle, following ovulation. It is marked by the formation of the corpus luteum from the ruptured follicle, which produces progesterone. It lasts from day 15 to day 28.

The Menstrual Phase is the first phase of the uterine cycle. It occurs during the first 1 to 4 days of a woman's cycle and involves the shedding of the endometrial lining from the inner wall of the uterus. It results in menstrual bleeding.

The Proliferative Phase is the second phase of the uterine cycle, occurring after the menstrual phase. It lasts from day 5 to 14 and involves the rebuilding of the uterine lining (endometrium) under the influence of estrogen.

The Secretory Luteal progestronic Phase is the third phase of the uterine cycle. It occurs from day 15 to 26 (or sometimes 24), and is characterized by the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium) under progesterone influence.

The process by which sperm become capable of fertilizing an egg. This involves changes in the sperm's surface, with the removal of certain proteins and reorganization of its membrane.

The outer layer of cells surrounding the egg. Sperm must penetrate this layer to reach the egg.

A tough, protective layer surrounding the egg. Sperm must bind to and penetrate this layer to fertilize the egg.

A process where the sperm's acrosome releases enzymes, allowing it to digest through the zona pellucida.

The process where a sperm binds to and fuses with the egg's plasma membrane.

The changes that occur within the egg after sperm binding. It involves metabolic and physical shifts and the resumption of meiosis.

A protective mechanism that prevents multiple sperm from fertilizing an egg. It involves changes in the egg's outer layer.

The union of a sperm and an egg, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote.

Phase of the menstrual cycle from day 14 to day 24-26, starting after ovulation. This phase is characterized by thickening of the endometrium, coiling of spiral arteries, and uterine glands filling with glycogen and mucin. This prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

Egg cells with a moderate amount of yolk. This type of yolk distribution helps support the developing embryo but doesn't dominate the egg's overall volume.

The yolk, a vital component of eggs, serves as a source of energy and nutrients for the developing embryo. It contains proteins, lipids, glycogen, and minerals, providing essential building blocks for growth.

Egg cells with a large amount of yolk, often concentrated at one end. This is the most common type of yolk distribution in birds and reptiles, supporting their larger embryos that need a significant energy supply.

The outermost egg membrane, formed during the egg's passage through the oviduct. It provides protection, gas exchange, and hydration. This is found in reptiles and birds.

Egg cells with yolk evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. This type of yolk distribution is seen in simpler organisms like sea urchins and amphibians.

The primary egg membrane forms around the egg's plasma membrane, providing initial support and protection. Examples include the vitelline membrane.

Egg cells with yolk concentrated at the center of the egg. This is a less common type of yolk distribution, primarily found in insects.

A hollow sphere of cells formed during early embryonic development, containing a fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoel.

The process of cell division and rearrangement that transforms the blastula into a three-layered embryo, forming the germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).

The process of development where the three primary germ layers differentiate into specialized organs and tissues.

The process of cell division in the early embryo, where the zygote rapidly divides to produce more cells. It occurs without significant growth, so the cells become smaller with each division.

A tight, ball-like mass formed during cleavage where cells undergo increased contact and adhesion.

A hollow sphere formed by the blastomeres of the developing embryo, containing a fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoel. It is the stage after compaction.

The process where the blastocyst escapes from the zona pellucida, a protein coat that protects the embryo, allowing for implantation in the uterine wall.

The outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that will eventually contribute to the placenta.