Gametogenesis and Spermatogenesis Flashcards

Flashcards about Gametogenesis and Spermatogenesis

Embryology

The study of the development of an individual before birth.

Initiation of embryogenesis

The fusion of male and female gametes.

Gametogenesis

Formation of male and female gametes from primitive germ cells.

Spermatogenesis

Formation of spermatozoa from primitive germ cells (spermatogonia).

Spermatozoa maturation

Process of maturation that spermatozoa undergo while passing through the male genital tract, acquiring the ability to fertilize an ovum (capacitation) in the female genital tract.

Capacitation

Refers to the process where the spermatozoa acquire the ability of fertilization of an ovum in the female genital tract.

Spermatogonia

Serve as a pool of undifferentiated stem cells from which develop the spermatozoa.

Dark type-A (AD) spermatogonia

Represent a reserve of resting stem cells within the spermatogonia.

Light or pale type-A (AP) spermatogonia

Have light staining Oval nucleus and divide to form more light type-A spermatogonia and also some spermatogonia of type-B.

Formation of Primary Spermatocytes

The 32 type-B spermatogonia undergo mitosis to form 64 primary spermatocytes.

Formation of Secondary Spermatocytes

Each primary spermatocyte undergoes meiotic division to form 256 secondary spermatocytes.

Formation of spermatid

Each secondary spermatocyte divides mitotically to give rise to two spermatids. Thus, a total of 512 spermatids are formed from a single spermatogonium.

Formation of Spermatozoon

The spermatids do not divide further but undergo morphological changes to form sperms or spermatozoa.

Acrosome

Cap-like structure covering anterior 2/3 of the head of the spermatozoon and contains proteolytic enzyme (hyaluronidase).

Neck of Spermatozoon

Narrow constricted part of the spermatozoon that contains a shaped basal body and a spherical centriole.

Tail of sperm

Motile portion of the sperm, also called the flagellum, divided into the middle piece, principal piece, and end piece.