Spermatogenesis Flashcards
What is spermatogenesis?
Production/development of mature spermatozoa
What is sperm?
Male haploid gametes (sex cells)
What is FSH?
Follicle stimulating hormone
Initiated from anterior pituitary gland
What is spermatogonia?
Sperm developed from stem cells
What happens to spermatogonia?
- Multiply by cell division (mitosis)
- Half differentiate to primary spermatocytes
- Half remain as stem cells
What happens to the primary spermatocytes?
Undergo meiosis —> 2 secondary spermatocytes (haploid)
What happens to the secondary spermatocytes?
Divide meiotically —> spermatids (contain half chromatids)
What does haploid mean?
Has one of each chromosome pair
What happens to the spermatids?
Develop into mature spermatozoa in the epididymis & vas deferens
How many chromosomes do spermatids have?
23 single chromosomes
What 3 components make up sperm?
- Head (nucleus contains chromosomes + acrosome contains enzymes to digest membrane)
- Midpiece (mitochondria for energy)
- Flagellum (locomotion)