Changes

*Differentiation phase / spermiogenesis - spermatids

*Differentiation phase / spermiogenesis - spermatids

==The Spermatogenic Cycle==

 

 

==The seminiferous tubule==

[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Spermatogenesis Copyright Amy Cartmel 2008]]

[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Spermatogenesis Copyright Amy Cartmel 2008]]

*Spermatogenesis occurs in the seminipherous tubules of the testes.  

The seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenesis. The 2 main cell types within the tubules which are involved in spermatogenesis are the germ cells, which will develop into sperm, and somatic cells known as Sertoli cells, which nuture the germ cells throughout the development process.  

*Sertoli cells found within the seminipherous tubules play a vital role in the production of gametes. Sertoli cells are support cells within the seminipherous tubules. They are anchored to the basement membrane and reach all the way to the lumen of the tubules.  The junctional complexes between neighbouring sertoli cells make up the ‘’’blood-testes barrier’’’ which prevents autoimmune reactions against haploid spermatids and spermatozoa by providing an immunologically privileged site. The blood-testes barrier splits the seminipherous epithelium into two main sections; the basal compartment where spermatogonia develop and the adluminal compartment where spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa develop.

 

As the germ cells progress through their stages of development they move slowly from the basement membrane of the tubules through the tight junction of the Sertoli cells into the tubular lumen.

 

 

==Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis==

==Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis==