Siittiötuotanto

Siittiötuotanto, also known as spermatogenesis, is the biological process by which sperm cells are produced in the male reproductive organs, specifically the testes. This complex process begins at puberty and continues throughout a man's life. It starts with specialized cells called spermatogonia, which undergo a series of cell divisions and differentiations.

The initial stage involves mitosis, where spermatogonia multiply to maintain a constant supply. Following this, they enter meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid cells. These developing sperm cells are called spermatids. In the final stage, spermiogenesis, spermatids transform into mature spermatozoa, characterized by their distinctive head, midpiece, and tail. The head contains the genetic material, the midpiece provides energy, and the tail enables motility.

Spermatogenesis is a continuous process, with millions of sperm being produced daily. It is regulated by hormones, primarily follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn are influenced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Testosterone, produced by the testes, also plays a crucial role in maintaining sperm production. Environmental factors, such as heat and exposure to certain toxins, can negatively impact sperm production.