Spermatogenesis and

Spermiogenesis
Presented by
Group 3 members
 INTRODUCTION
• Spermatogenesis is the process by which
haploid spermatozoa develops from germ
cells in the seminiferous tubules of testes.
• It starts during puberty and usually continues
uninterrupted until death.
• It entails the following stages : Germ cell
development,Meiosis I,Meiosis II,
Spermiogenesis,Sperm production and
Ejaculation
• The process is highly dependent upon optimal
conditions for the process to occur correctly.
• It is essential for sexual reproduction.
1.GERM CELL PRODUCTION
• The tested are composed of numerous,thinly
tightly coiled tubules known as seminiferous
tubules.
• The germs cells are produced within the walls
of the tubules.
• Within the walls of the tubules are also many
randomly scattered Sertoli cells that function
to support and nourish the germs cells with
nutrients and blood product.
• Spermatogenia (immature cells) are all derived
from stem cells in the outer walls of the
Seminiferous tubules.
• The stem cells are composed almost entirely
Cont.
Of nuclear material.
• They begin their multiplying process by mitosis.
• Half of the new cells formed from this original crop go
on to become the future sperm cells and the other half
remain as stem cells so that thare is constant source of
additional cells.
• Thus, there are 2 types of Spermatogonia:
• Type A: which replenish stem cells
• Type B: which differentiate into primary spermatocytes

• The primary sperm cells move from the outer portion of

the Seminiferous tubules to a more central location and
attach themselves around Sertoli cells.
• From here Meiosis I takes place.
2. MEIOSIS I
• The division begins with the leptotene stage of prophase.
• The stage takes place in the germinal epithelium, more
specifically, the basal compartment.
• Spermatocytes enter the ad luminal compartment after
reaching the Sertoli cell barrier.
• Here, further prophase stages continue, and these
include the zygotene, pachytene, and diplotene stages.
• These stages see DNA reduplication, chromosomes
condensation, and homologous chromosomes pairing,
as crossing over will occur.
• Each set of diploid primary spermatocytes differentiates
into two haploid secondary spermatocytes, where the
total number of chromosomes gets reduced to half.
3.MEIOSIS II
• Each haploid secondary spermatocyte
differentiates into two haploid spermatids,
therefore, resulting in four haploid cells.
• This process occurs quickly, and no DNA
replication takes place.
4. SPERMIOGENESIS
• The spermatids undergo a series of structural
changes to differenciate into spermazoa or
mature sperm cells which which are motile .
• Theses changes include ; development of
falgellum for motility and the shedding of
excess cytoplasm.
5.SPERM MATURATION
• Spermatozoa undergo a maturation process and acquire
motility and fertility as they migrate from the proximal to
the distal end of the long convoluted tubule known as the
epididymis.
• Regions of the epididymis are subdivided into discrete
segments defined structurally and functionally by
connective tissue septa.
• Each segment is a unique microenvironment that
together allows maturation to occur.
• In the final phase, metamorphosis, the spermatids
develop a tail and other specialized structures i.e
mitochondria for energy production needed for
propulsion of the tail and acrosome with lytic enzymes
necessary when the sperm cell is to break the ova wall
during fertilization process, this forming a mature sperm
cell.
 6.EJACULATION
• Ejaculation – a physiological process primarily associated with the release of sperm cells and
seminal plasma from the male reproductive system
• This process typically occurs during sexual climax (orgasm) and is an essential step in
reproduction.
• Expounded explanation of male ejaculations :
• Stimulation –ejaculation is usually triggered by sexual arousal ,which can be physical or
psychological. During sexual intercourse ,nerve signals from the genital area are sent to the
brain which initiates a series of physiological responses.
• Semen production – semen; which is a mixture of sperms and various fluids, is produced by
the male reproductive system. The testes produce sperms whereas other accessory glands such
as the prostate and seminal vesicles produce fluids that nourish and protect the sperm.
• Emission phase – as sexual arousal escalates , the muscles around the base of the penis
contract forcefully , propelling the semen out of the urethra to the outside.
• Pleasure and orgasm – ejaculation is accompanied by intense pleasurable sensations known
as an orgasm. It is a complex neurological and physiological event characterized by
contractions of various muscles rhythmically.
• Fertilization – the primary purpose of ejaculation is the delivery of sperms into the female
reproductive tract , where an ovum can be fertilized during sexual activity.
• NB: it should be noted that ejaculation can occur in different contexts such as masturbation
or when one is having wet dreams.
 CONCLUSION
• The complete process of spermatogenesis is
regulated by several hormones, including follicle-
stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH),
and testosterone.
• Any functional abnormalities in the process of
spermatogenesis can lead to defective or reduced
sperm production, which can cause infertility