Spermatogenesis & Sperm Structure

Where does spermatogenesis occur?

In the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

What are spermatogonia and what happens to them?

They are the stem cells that undergo mitosis to produce Type A and Type B cells.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B spermatogonia?

Type A remains a stem cell; Type B becomes a primary spermatocyte.

What do primary spermatocytes undergo?

Meiosis I to produce secondary spermatocytes.

What do secondary spermatocytes undergo?

Meiosis II to produce spermatids.

What happens during spermiogenesis?

Spermatids mature into sperm cells (spermatozoa).

What is spermiation?

The release of mature sperm into the seminiferous tubule lumen.

What are the parts of a sperm cell?

Head, midpiece, and flagellum.

What does the head of a sperm contain?

23 chromosomes and enzymes like hyaluronidase and proteases.

What does the midpiece of a sperm contain?

Many mitochondria for energy.

What is the role of the sperm’s flagellum?

Provides motility for swimming.