key term - Spermatogenesis

Definition

Spermatogenesis is the process by which spermatozoa (sperm cells) are produced from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. This complex process involves several stages, including mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis, resulting in mature sperm capable of fertilizing an ovum.

Related terms

Seminiferous tubules: Narrow, coiled tubes inside the testes where spermatogenesis takes place.

Meiosis:

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, essential for sexual reproduction.

Spermiogenesis:

The final stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids are transformed into mature spermatozoa