Sædproduktion

Sædproduktion, also known as spermatogenesis, is the process by which sperm cells are generated. This biological function occurs in the testes of male mammals, beginning at puberty and continuing throughout much of their adult life. The process is regulated by hormones, primarily follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are produced by the pituitary gland.

The initial cells involved are diploid spermatogonia. Through a series of cell divisions, including meiosis, these cells differentiate into haploid spermatozoa, or mature sperm. This transformation involves significant changes in cell structure, including the development of a tail for motility and an acrosome containing enzymes necessary for fertilization.

Sædproduktion is a continuous process, with millions of sperm produced daily. The environment within the testes, specifically the seminiferous tubules, is crucial for this process. Temperature regulation is a key factor, with the testes needing to be a few degrees cooler than the core body temperature for optimal sperm development. Once mature, sperm are stored in the epididymis, where they gain motility before being transported through the vas deferens during ejaculation. The composition of semen, the fluid ejaculated, includes sperm and secretions from accessory glands like the prostate and seminal vesicles.