Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Spermatogenesis is the process of the gradual transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa. It occurs mainly within the seminiferous tubules of the testes and can be divided into three phases, each of which is associated with different germ cell types:

Spermatogenesis is the process of the gradual transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa. It occurs mainly within the [[Testes_and_Epididymis_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|seminiferous tubules]] of the testes and can be divided into three phases, each of which is associated with different germ cell types:

*Proliferative phase: spermatogonia → spermatocytes

*Proliferative phase: spermatogonia → spermatocytes

[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Figure 1: 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 [[Testes_and_Epididymis_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Sertoli cells]], which nuture the germ cells throughout the development process.  

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.

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

=Stages of spermatogenesis=

=Stages of spermatogenesis=

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).

<references/>

<references/>

{{Template:Learning

{{Template:Learning