Spermatogenesis Flashcards
What are the stages of spermatogenesis?
Diploid spermatogonia divide to form primary spermatocytes
Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to form secondary spermatocytes
Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to form spermatids
Spermatids undergo morphological changes to become sperm
How is spermatogenesis hormonally regulated?
FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis.
LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone
What lifestyle factors can affect spermatogenesis?
Stress, obesity, physical inactivity and exposure to toxins like pesticides or radiation can reduce sperm count and quality
How does androgen-binding globulin support spermatogenesis?
It binds to testosterone in seminiferous tubules, increasing local testosterone concentration and supporting sperm production.
What is the difference between Type A and Type B spermatogonia?
Type A spermatogonia act as stem cells while Type B spermatogonia differentiate into primary spermatocytes
What is the importance of cytoplasmic shedding during spermatogenesis?
It removes excess cytoplasm, streamlining sperm for motility
What is the outcome of spermatogenesis?
1 spermatogonia will create 4 spermatids
What are the morphological changes that transform spermatids into mature sperm?
Nuclear condensation
Acrosome formation
Flagellum formation
Cytoplasmic shedding
Mitochondrial rearrangement.
What occurs in nuclear condensation?
The nucleus becomes more compact as chromatin is tightly wound around histones
How are sperm released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules?
cytoplasmic bridges break down and spermatids are released.
How do mature sperm travel through the male anatomy?
Travel through seminiferous tubules to the rete testis which concentrates sperm by removing excess fluid
They are then stored in the epididymis.
What is the spermatogenic wave?
Refers to the non-synchronised but organised process by which different stages of sperm development occur along the length of the seminiferous tubules.
Why is the spermatogenic wave important?
Ensures that mature sperm are constantly being produced in various areas of the tubules, allowing for a continuous supply of sperm.
If this didn’t occur there would be periodic gas where no mature sperm cells are available which would reduce fertility.
