Spermatogenesis flashcards

LAB 8

What are sustentacular cells also called?

Sertoli cells or nurse cells.

main function of Sertoli cells

To support, nourish, and protect developing sperm cells.

Where are Sertoli cells located?

Inside the seminiferous tubules.

What hormone stimulates Sertoli cells?

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

What does androgen-binding protein (ABP) do?

Binds testosterone and keeps testosterone levels high in seminiferous tubules.

Why is testosterone important in seminiferous tubules?

It is required for spermatogenesis.

What does inhibin do?

Inhibin→↓FSH
A: It decreases FSH release from the anterior pituitary.

What are interstitial cells also called?

Leydig cells.

What hormone stimulates Leydig cells?

LH (Luteinizing Hormone).

What do Leydig cells produce?

LH→Leydig Cells→Testosterone
A: Testosterone.

Name 3 functions of testosterone.

• Supports spermatogenesis

• Develops male reproductive organs

• Produces male secondary sex characteristics

What are spermatogonia?

: Diploid stem cells that start sperm production.

Are spermatogonia haploid or diploid?

Diploid (2n).

What process do spermatogonia undergo?

Mitosis

What is a primary spermatocyte?

: A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis I.

What does a primary spermatocyte produce?

Two secondary spermatocytes.

Are secondary spermatocytes haploid or diploid?

A: Haploid (n).

What process do secondary spermatocytes undergo?

A: Meiosis II.

What do secondary spermatocytes become?

Spermatids.

What are early spermatids?

Immature haploid sperm cells.

Are spermatids motile?

NO

What is spermiogenesis?

Spermatid→Spermatozoa
A: The maturation of spermatids into spermatozoa.

Does spermiogenesis involve cell division?

A: No, only structural changes.

What structures develop during spermiogenesis?

A: Tail, acrosome, and condensed nucleus.

What is spermiation?

A: Release of mature sperm into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.

What are spermatozoa?

Mature sperm cells.

What are the 3 major parts of a sperm cell?

Head, midpiece, and tail.

What is located in the head of sperm?

Nucleus and acrosome.

What is the function of the acrosome?

Contains enzymes that help penetrate the egg.

What is the function of the sperm tail?

Movement

What is spermatogenesis?

Spermatogonia→Primary Spermatocyte→Secondary Spermatocyte→Spermatid→Spermatozoa

A: The complete process of sperm production.

Which cells form the blood-testis barrier?

Sertoli cells.