Male Reproductive Anatomy & Spermatogenesis

What is the role of the scrotum and its muscles?

Regulate testis temperature: dartos and cremaster muscles adjust testis position to conserve or dissipate heat

Where does spermatogenesis occur?

In the seminiferous tubules of the testes

What cells support developing sperm and form the blood‑testis barrier?

Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells

What do interstitial (Leydig) cells produce and what stimulates them?

Produce testosterone; stimulated by LH

Outline the stages of spermatogenesis.

Spermatogonia (mitosis) → Primary spermatocyte (meiosis I) → Secondary spermatocytes (meiosis II) → Spermatids → Spermatozoa (spermiogenesis)

What is spermiogenesis?

Final maturation of spermatids into motile sperm: nucleus condenses, acrosome forms, tail develops, excess cytoplasm shed

How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis?

Spermatogenesis: continuous from puberty, produces 4 viable sperm per meiosis. Oogenesis: produces one viable oocyte and polar bodies, begins before birth and pauses until puberty, ends at menopause