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Spermatogenesis review
Development of sperm from germ cells and the hormones involved.
This article provides a review of:
- the steps involved in spermatogenesis, and
- the hormones that regulate it.
Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Spermatogonia | immature germ cells |
| Primary spermatocyte | diploid cell formed from spermatogonium |
| Secondary spermatocyte | haploid cell formed by meiotic division of primary spermatoctye |
| Spermatid | haploid cell formed by meiotic division of secondary spermatocyte, differentiates into sperm cell |
| Spermiogenesis | process by which spermatids form sperm cells |
| GnRH | gonadotropin-releasing hormone |
| LH | luteinizing hormone |
| FSH | follicle-stimulating hormone |
Spermatogenesis at a glance
Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes develop from germ cells in the testes. In other words, it's how sperm is made. This process involves multiple steps of cell division and differentiation, which are summarized in the image below.
Hormonal regulation
Humans start making sperm when they reach puberty. The process is coordinated by hormones, which act as chemical messengers that ready the body for sexual maturity.
Let's recap what the important hormones are, and what they do.
- The onset of puberty triggers the release of high amounts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.
- GnRH then causes the anterior pituitary to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- LH acts on Leydig cells to make and secrete androgens like testosterone. This stimulates spermatogenesis.
- FSH acts on Sertoli cells, also stimulating spermatogenesis, and induces secretion of nourishing factors for sperm cells.
That's a lot of abbreviations. Let's go over a couple of quick refreshers.
Role of accessory ducts and glands
- Sperm cells released from the testes are transported along the epididymis and vas deferens.
- The seminal vesicles and prostate glands secrete substances that nourish sperms cells, and contribute to their maturation and motility.
- Sperm cells, along with seminal plasma, make up semen.