spermatogenous

Spermatogenous (often encountered as spermatogenic in many sources) is an adjective used in anatomy, histology, and reproductive biology to describe tissue, cells, or processes that produce sperm. The term is most commonly applied to the germinal or spermatogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules in the testis, which contains germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis and the Sertoli supporting cells.

In the seminiferous tubules, spermatogenic activity begins with spermatogonia in the basal layer that divide mitotically and give rise to primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis to form spermatids that mature into spermatozoa. The coordinated progression through mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis constitutes spermatogenesis, the core spermatogenic process of sperm production.

Spermatogenic tissue and cell populations are regulated by endocrine signals, including testosterone and FSH, and by local paracrine cues from Sertoli cells. Variation in spermatogenic activity occurs with age, health, and environmental factors. Disruptions can lead to reduced sperm count or quality and male infertility.

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with spermatogenic, though usage can vary by author or region. Etymologically, spermatogenous derives from sperm-, meaning seed or sperm, plus -genous, meaning producing.