Male Reproductive System and Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

process which sperm cells are produced in the male reproductive organs

Seminiferous tubules

where sperm cells are produced

Mitosis

process spermatogonium undergo to produce more spermatogonia dramatically

Primary spermatocytes

what spermatogonia turn into after mitosis

Secondary spermatocytes

what spermatocytes form into after meiosis I

Spermatids

what spermatocytes form into after meiosis II

Spermiogenesis

process of the spermatid developing into a sperm cell

Epididymis

site of sperm maturation and storage

Seminal vesicles

produce viscous alkaline secretion, 60% of semen volume

Prostate gland

fluid comprises 25% of semen volume

Bulbourethral glands

produce alkaline mucus to lubricate spongy urethra and neutralizes acidic vagina

Passageway for sperm

seminiferous tubules, efferent ducts, epididymis, vas deferens

Head

contains DNA and the acrosome

Midpiece

contains mitochondria to form ATP for energy

Tail

flagellum used for locomotion

Scrotum

external sac, loose skin w/ dartos muscle

Spermatic cord

carries blood vessels, nerves and ductus deferens

Tunica albuginea

white fibrous connective tissue that divides testes into lobules

Rete testis

connect seminiferous tubules to epididymis

Hypothalamus

secretes gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Anterior pituitary

secretes FSH and LH

20 millions

less than __ /mL is sterile

Gonadotropin releasing hormone

GnRH

Semen

mixture of sperms and seminal fluid