espermatogénesis

Spermatogenesis is the biological process by which sperm cells are produced. This complex series of events takes place within the seminiferous tubules of the testes in males. The process begins with diploid spermatogonia, which are stem cells that undergo mitosis to produce more spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then enters meiosis, a two-stage cell division process.

Meiosis I results in two haploid secondary spermatocytes, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the primary spermatocyte. Meiosis II then divides these secondary spermatocytes into four haploid spermatids. These spermatids are immature cells that undergo a significant transformation called spermiogenesis. During spermiogenesis, the spermatids develop a tail (flagellum) for motility, a head containing the genetic material, and an acrosome cap which aids in fertilization.

The entire process, from spermatogonium to mature spermatozoon, takes approximately 64 to 72 days. Hormonal regulation is crucial for spermatogenesis, with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulating sperm production and luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulating the production of testosterone, which is essential for the maturation of sperm. Mature sperm are then stored in the epididymis before being ejaculated.