Spermatogenesis

• Spermatogenesis is the process of producing sperm cells
• Spermatogenesis takes place in coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules in the testes
• The diploid primary spermatocyte, after two successive meiotic divisions, develops into haploid mature sperm cells
• The seminiferous tubules are continuous with the epididymis where the sperm develop fully in three to four weeks
• Acrosome contains enzymes that digest the jelly covering of the egg to facilitate the entry of a sperm into the egg
• The nucleus at the head region contains the chromosomes that carry the genetic materials of the male parent
• Numerous mitochondria for the manufacture of high-energy yielding ATP are concentrated at the middle piece
• The tail is a long flagellum that propels the sperm through the body fluids
• From the epididymis, the sperm cells move to another tube-like structure called vas deferens
• The sperm cells, together with the secretions of the glands and reproductive ducts, make up what is known as semen
• Semen composition is around 95% secretions from the glands and 5% (about 200 million to 500 million) sperm
• The semen passes through the urethra and out of the body from the common duct formed by the two vas deferens join behind the urinary bladder