SPERMATOGENESIS
Spermatogenesis is the process of the formation of haploid sperm cells from diploid
spermatogonia. It occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes and consists of three main
phases.
Site of Spermatogenesis:
Takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
The wall of seminiferous tubules contains:
o Spermatogonia (sperm mother cells)
o Sertoli cells (nourish developing sperms)
The space outside the tubules contains Leydig cells (interstitial cells) that secrete
Androgen.
Phases of Spermatogenesis
1. Multiplication Phase
In this phase, spermatogonia (diploid, 2n) divide mitotically.
This produces:
o More spermatogonia
o Some spermatogonia differentiate into primary spermatocytes.
🧬 Purpose: Increase in number of germ cells.
2. Growth Phase
The primary spermatocytes grow in size by accumulating cytoplasm and nutrients.
They prepare for meiosis by replicating their DNA.
🧬 Purpose: Cell enlarges and becomes ready for division.
3. Maturation Phase
This phase includes two meiotic divisions:
a. Meiosis I:
Primary spermatocyte (2n) undergoes meiosis I to form:
o Two secondary spermatocytes (haploid, n)
b. Meiosis II:
Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis II to form:
o Two spermatids (haploid, n)
So, one primary spermatocyte produces four spermatids.
🧬 Purpose: Reduction of chromosome number and formation of haploid cells.
Spermiogenesis
Spermiogenesis is the process of transformation of haploid spermatids into mature, motile
spermatozoa (sperms).
It is the final stage of spermatogenesis, occurring after meiosis, within the seminiferous
tubules of the testes.
Key Changes During Spermiogenesis:
1. Nuclear condensation:
o The nucleus of the spermatid becomes small and dense.
o It elongates and forms the head of the sperm.
2. Acrosome formation:
o A part of the Golgi apparatus develops into the acrosome, which covers the
anterior part of the nucleus.
o The acrosome contains enzymes (like hyaluronidase) that help in penetrating the
egg membrane during fertilization.
3. Formation of the tail (flagellum):
o The centriole at the base of the nucleus develops into the tail (flagellum), which
gives motility to the sperm.
4. Cytoplasm removal:
o Excess cytoplasm is removed and phagocytosed by Sertoli cells.
o This results in a streamlined shape.
5. Mitochondrial sheath formation:
o Mitochondria arrange in a spiral around the mid-piece of the sperm.
o They provide ATP for sperm motility.
Outcome:
Spermiogenesis results in the formation of mature spermatozoa, each consisting of:
o Head (with nucleus and acrosome)
o Midpiece (with mitochondria)
o Tail (for movement)
Spermiation
Definition:
Spermiation is the process by which mature spermatozoa (sperms) are released from the
Sertoli cells into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
It takes place after spermiogenesis, the stage where spermatids are transformed into
mature sperms.
Even though the sperms are fully formed, they are still embedded within Sertoli cells for
nourishment and support.
Hormonal Control:
1. Hypothalamus – GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone):
At puberty, the hypothalamus begins to secrete GnRH.
It stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete FSH and LH.
2. Anterior Pituitary – FSH & LH:
➤ FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone):
Acts on the Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules.
Sertoli cell releases some factors which help in the process of Spermiogenesis.
➤ LH (Luteinizing Hormone):
Acts on Leydig cells (interstitial cells) located in between seminiferous tubules.
Stimulates Leydig cells to secrete male sex hormone Androgen.
3. Androgen (from Leydig Cells):
Essential for:
o The completion of spermatogenesis
o Development of male secondary sexual characters
