spermatogenesis

(noun)

The process of sperm production within the seminiferous tubules in the testes.

Related Terms

  • testosterone
  • semen

Examples of spermatogenesis in the following topics:

  • Hormonal Regulation of the Male Reproductive System

    • Hormonal control of spermatogenesis varies among species.
    • However, it is known that initiation of spermatogenesis occurs at puberty due to the interaction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and Leydig cells.
    • If the pituitary gland is removed, spermatogenesis can still be initiated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.
    • The Sertoli cells themselves mediate parts of spermatogenesis through hormone production.
    • The sequestering of testosterone in the testes is initiated by FSH, and only testosterone is required to maintain spermatogenesis.
  • Spermatogenesis

    • Spermatogenesis is the process by which male primary sperm cells undergo meiosis and produce a number of cells calls spermatogonia, from which the primary spermatocytes are derived.
    • Spermatogenesis is the male version of gametogenesis and  results in the formation of spermatocytes possessing half the normal complement of genetic material.
    • Spermatogenesis, essential for sexual reproduction is highly dependent upon optimal conditions to occur correctly.
    • Instead, certain types of spermatogonia divide to produce copies of themselves, thereby ensuring a constant supply of gametogonia to fuel spermatogenesis.
    • Spermatogenesis is highly sensitive to fluctuations in the environment, particularly hormones and temperature.
  • Gametogenesis (Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis)

    • Spermatogenesis and oogenesis are both forms of gametogenesis, in which a diploid gamete cell produces haploid sperm and egg cells, respectively.
    • The production of sperm is called spermatogenesis and the production of eggs is called oogenesis.
    • Spermatogenesis occurs in the wall of the seminiferous tubules , with stem cells at the periphery of the tube and the spermatozoa at the lumen of the tube.
    • During spermatogenesis, four sperm result from each primary spermatocyte, which divides into two haploid secondary spermatocytes; these cells will go through a second meiotic division to produce four spermatids.
  • Male Hormones

    • The onset of puberty is controlled by two major hormones: FSH initiates spermatogenesis and LH signals the release of testosterone.
    • FSH enters the testes, stimulating the Sertoli cells, which help to nourish the sperm cells that the testes produce, to begin facilitating spermatogenesis.
    • Testosterone, the hormone responsible for the secondary sexual characteristics that develop in the male during adolescence, stimulates spermatogenesis, or the process of sperm production in the testes.
    • This inhibits the release of GnRH and FSH, which will cause spermatogenesis to slow down.
    • GnRH stimulates the production of FSH and LH, which act on the testes to begin spermatogenesis and to develop secondary sex characteristics in the male.
  • Testes

    • Thee testes produce sperm (spermatogenesis) and androgens, primarily testosterone.
    • The presence of both testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is needed to support spermatogenesis.
    • They also support libido, spermatogenesis, and erectile function.
    • The sertoli cells are the testes’ somatic cells, necessary for testis development and spermatogenesis.
  • Male and Female Gonads

    • The primary functions of the testes are to produce sperm (spermatogenesis) and androgens, primarily testosterone.
    • The presence of both testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone is needed to support spermatogenesis.
  • Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

    • Within these tubules, spermatogenesis takes place. 
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