Changes

==The seminiferous tubules==

==The seminiferous tubules==

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

[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Figure 1: Spermatogenesis Copyright Amy Cartmel 2008]]

The seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenesis. The 2 main cell types within the tubules 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.  

The seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenesis. The 2 main cell types within the tubules 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.  

=Stages of spermatogenesis=

=Stages of spermatogenesis=

[[File:Spermatogenesis diagram v2.jpg|thumb|Sperm developing within seminiferous tubule]]

[[File:Spermatogenesis diagram v2.jpg|thumb|Figure 2: Sperm developing within seminiferous tubule]]

==The proliferation phase==

==The proliferation phase==

=Hormonal Control of spermatogenesis=

=Hormonal Control of spermatogenesis=

Spermatogenesis is controlled by a complex feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary and testes. Gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH)is released by the hypothalamus in a pulsatile manner and travels through portal vessels to the anterior pituitary, where it acts of the gonadotrophic cells. These cells respond to the stimulation by producing either follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinising hormone (LH) depending on the pattern of GnRH secretion.  

Spermatogenesis is controlled by a complex feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary and testes. Gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH)is released by the hypothalamus in a pulsatile manner and travels through portal vessels to the anterior pituitary, where it acts of the gonadotrophic cells. These cells respond to the stimulation by producing either follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinising hormone (LH) depending on the pattern of GnRH secretion.  

Inhibin, testosterone and oestrogen feedback negatively on the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus to suppress secretion of gonadotrophic hormones (Figure 3).

Inhibin, testosterone and oestrogen feedback negatively on the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus to suppress secretion of gonadotrophic hormones (Figure 3).

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