Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis (pronunciation: /ˌspɜːrmətoʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/) is the process in which spermatozoa are produced from spermatogonial stem cells by way of mitosis and meiosis. The initial cells in this pathway are called spermatogonia, which yield primary spermatocytes by mitosis.
Etymology
The term "spermatogenesis" is derived from the Greek words "sperma" meaning "seed" and "genesis" meaning "origin".
Process
Spermatogenesis is a complex, multi-step process that occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. It begins with the mitotic division of the spermatogonia. These cells differentiate into primary spermatocytes, which undergo the first meiotic division to form secondary spermatocytes. The secondary spermatocytes then undergo the second meiotic division to form spermatids. Finally, the spermatids differentiate into mature spermatozoa through a process known as spermiogenesis.
Related Terms
- Spermatogonium: The diploid cell from which spermatogenesis begins.
- Spermatocyte: The cell that is formed after the spermatogonium undergoes mitosis.
- Spermatid: The haploid cell that is formed after the spermatocyte undergoes meiosis.
- Spermatozoon: The mature male reproductive cell, commonly known as a sperm cell.
- Spermiogenesis: The process by which spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa.
See Also
- Oogenesis: The female equivalent of spermatogenesis.
- Gametogenesis: The process of forming male and female sex cells.
- Meiosis: The type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spermatogenesis
- Wikipedia's article - Spermatogenesis
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