Spermatogenesis and Hormonal Control

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to spermatogenesis and its hormonal control.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which haploid spermatozoa develop from germ cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testis.

Spermatogonia

Diploid germ cells in the testes that divide to give rise to sperm cells.

Primary Spermatocyte

A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis I to produce two secondary spermatocytes.

Secondary Spermatocytes

Haploid cells that result from the first meiotic division of primary spermatocytes.

Spermatids

Haploid cells that develop from secondary spermatocytes after meiosis II.

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells that are produced from spermatids.

Mitosis

The process by which diploid cells divide to produce two identical diploid cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells.

Polar Body

A small cell that is a byproduct of oocyte division, typically not involved in fertilization.

Testosterone

A steroid hormone produced by Leydig cells that stimulates spermatogenesis and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Sertoli Cells

Cells in the seminiferous tubules that support and nourish developing sperm cells.

Inhibin

A hormone secreted by Sertoli cells that inhibits the secretion of FSH from the anterior pituitary gland.

Blood-Testis Barrier

A physical barrier between the blood vessels and the seminiferous tubules, maintaining an optimal environment for spermatogenesis.

Acrosome

A structure at the head of a sperm containing enzymes necessary for penetrating the female gamete.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates Sertoli cells to promote spermatogenesis.

Gametogenesis

The process of creating male and female gametes through mitosis and meiosis.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes (2n).

Haploid

A cell containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n).