Difference between revisions of "Spermatogenesis and Spermiation - Anatomy & Physiology"

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
[[Image:Aspinall Slide16.JPG|thumb|right|350px|<small>Image from [http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/veterinary-nursing/spe-60136/ Aspinall, The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing], Elsevier Health Sciences, ''All rights reserved''</small>]]
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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 & Physiology#Tubular Compartment|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
 
*Meiotic phase: spermatocytes → spermatids
 
*Differentiation phase (also known as spermiogenesis): spermatids → spermatozoa
 
 
 
  
Unlike the [[Oogenesis - Anatomy & Physiology|female production of gametes]] which occurs entirely before birth, with gamete maturation occurring in a pulsatile fashion after puberty, males produce gametes continuously from puberty onwards for the rest of their reproductive lives and the release of the gametes is constant.
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*Proliferative phase - spermatogonia → spermatocytes
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*Meiotic phase - spermatocytes → spermatids
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*Differentiation phase / spermiogenesis - spermatids → spermatozoa
  
[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Figure 1: Spermatogenesis Copyright Amy Cartmel 2008]]
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Unlike the female production of gametes which occurs entirely before birth, with gamete maturation occurring in a pulsatile fashion after puberty, males produce gametes continuously from puberty onwards for the rest of their reproductive lives and the release of the gametes is constant.  
  
The '''seminiferous tubules''' are the site of spermatogenesis. The two 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 & Physiology#Tubular Compartment|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 junctions between the Sertoli cells into the tubular lumen.
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==The seminiferous tubules==
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[[Image:spermatogenesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Spermatogenesis Copyright Amy Cartmel 2008]]
  
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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==
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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.
[[File:Spermatogenesis diagram v2.jpg|thumb|Figure 2: Sperm developing within seminiferous tubule]]
 
===Proliferation phase===
 
  
Stem or A '''spermatogonia''' located in the basal region of the tubular epithelium undergo mitosis. The progeny of these divisions maintain their own numbers as well as giving rise to several interconnected B spermatogonia (the number of these arising from a single A spermatogonia is species dependent). B spermatogonia divide to give rise to primary (1<sup>o</sup>) '''spermatocytes'''.  All descendants of a B spermatogonium remain connected by cytoplasmic bridges, forming a syncytium - like cell clone which undergoes synchronous development.
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=Stages of spermatogenesis=
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[[File:Spermatogenesis diagram.gif|thumb|Sperm developing within seminiferous tubule]]
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==The proliferation phase==
  
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Stem or A '''spermatogonia''' located in the basal region of the tubular epithelium undergo mitosis. The progeny of these divisions maintain their own numbers as well as giving rise to several interconnected B spermatogonia (the number of these arising from a single A spermatogonia is species dependent).  B spermatogonia divide to give rise to primary (1<sup>o</sup>) '''spermatocytes'''.  All descendants of a B spermatogonium remain connected by cytoplasmic bridges, forming a syncytium - like cell clone which undergoes synchronous development.
  
===Meiotic phase===
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==The meiotic phase==
  
Each 1<sup>o</sup> spermatocyte divides to give rise to two short-lived secondary (2<sup>o</sup>) spermatocytes, which in turn give rise to two '''spermatids''' each. The spermatids contain a haploid number of chromosomes (half the number of a somatic cell).  
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Each 1<sup>o</sup> spermatocyte divides to give rise to two short-lived 2<sup>o</sup> spermatocytes, which in turn give rise to two '''spermatids''' each, each of which contain a haploid number of chromosomes (half the number of a somatic cell).  
 
1<sup>o</sup> spermatocytes are the largest cells in the spermatogenic series and are located approximately midway within the seminiferous epithelium.
 
1<sup>o</sup> spermatocytes are the largest cells in the spermatogenic series and are located approximately midway within the seminiferous epithelium.
  
The process of meiosis occurs over a long period, with prophase of the first meiotic division taking up to three weeks <ref name="Hess">Hess RA, Spermatogenesis, overview. In: Knobil E, Neil JD (eds.), Encyclopedia of Reproduction. New York: Academic Press; 1999: pp. 539–545</ref>
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The process of meiosis occurs over a long period, with prophase of the first meiotic division taking up to 3 weeks <ref name="Hess">Hess RA, Spermatogenesis, overview. In: Knobil E, Neil JD (eds.), Encyclopedia of Reproduction. New York: Academic Press; 1999: pp. 539–545</ref>
  
  
===Differentiation phase===
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==The differentiation phase==
  
This phase is also known as '''spermiogenesis'''.
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This phase is also known as spermiogenesis.
  
Spermatids undergo transformation into '''spermatozoa'''. Many changes occur within the cells, the three major ones being:
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Spermatids undergo transformation into spermatozoa. Many changes occur within the cells, the 3 major ones being  
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i) formation of the acrosome, which covers the cranial part of the head. The acrosome will contain hydrolytic enzymes to allow fusion of sperm and egg for fertilisation.
i) formation of the '''acrosome''', which covers the cranial part of the head. The acrosome will contain hydrolytic enzymes to allow fusion of sperm and egg for fertilisation.
 
  
ii) '''condensation of nuclear chromatin''' in the head to form a dark-staining structure
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ii) condensation of nuclear chromatin in the head to form a dark-staining structure
  
iii) '''growth of the tail''' opposite the acrosome, and loss of excess cytoplasmic material which is shed as a residual body. The body is phagoctosed by the Sertoli cells.
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iii) growth of the tail opposite the acrosome, and loss of excess cytoplasmic material which is shed as a residual body. The body is phagoctosed by the Sertoli cells.
  
 
The morphological changes occurring during this process can be seen if sections of different seminiferous tubules are examined.  
 
The morphological changes occurring during this process can be seen if sections of different seminiferous tubules are examined.  
  
For a diagrammatic representation refer to Figure 2.
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=Hormonal Control of spermatogenesis=
 
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The production of sperm is controlled by hormones influencing sertoli cells rather than sperm cells directly. Hormonal control is via the two gonadotrophins luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
 
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*LH acts on the interstitial leydig cells stimulating them to produce the androgen testosterone.
==Hormonal Control of spermatogenesis==
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*FSH acts on the sertoli cells within the seminipherous tubules stimulating production of Androgen Binding Protein as well as Inhibin
 
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<br>
[[File:Figure 3 Negative feedback loop.jpg|thumb|Figure 3: Negative feedback loop]]
 
 
 
Spermatogenesis is controlled by a complex feedback mechanism involving the [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|hypothalamus]], [[Pituitary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology#Anterior Pituitary Gland|anterior pituitary]] and [[Testes and Epididymis - Anatomy & Physiology|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.  
 
 
 
LH and FSH travel in the bloodstream to the testes, where LH acts on the Leydig cells to stimulate them to convert steroids to '''testosterone''' and other androgens, which in turn contribute to the stimulation of Sertoli cells.
 
 
 
FSH acts on the receptors of Sertoli cells and, in combination with testosterone, stimulates many functions, including synthesis and secretion of '''oestrogen''', '''inhibin''' and many other products, meiosis, spermatocyte maturation and Leydig cell function.
 
 
 
Inhibin, testosterone and oestrogen feedback negatively on the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus to suppress secretion of gonadotrophic hormones (Figure 3).
 
 
 
 
 
==Webinars==
 
 
 
[[File:Figure 3 Negative feedback loop.jpg|thumb|Figure 3: Negative feedback loop]]
 
 
 
[https://www.thewebinarvet.com/webinar/bovine-sperm-morphology?utm_source=wikivet&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Spermatogenesis_and_Spermiation Bovine Sperm Morphology]
 
 
 
 
 
==References==
 
  
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
Cunningham, JG and Klein, BG (eds)(2007) Textbook of Veterinary Physiology. Saunders Elsevier.
 
 
 
 
{{Template:Learning
 
{{Template:Learning
|videos = [[Video: Equine Testes|Dissection of the equine testicle]]
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|videos = [[Equine Testes video|Dissection of the equine testicle]]
 
|powerpoints = [[Male Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the Male reproductive tract]]
 
|powerpoints = [[Male Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the Male reproductive tract]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Webinars==
 
<rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/urogenital-and-reproduction/webinars/feed</rss>
 
 
[[Category:Male Reproduction]]
 
[[Category:Male Reproduction]]

Revision as of 20:31, 4 May 2012


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:

  • Proliferative phase - spermatogonia → spermatocytes
  • Meiotic phase - spermatocytes → spermatids
  • Differentiation phase / spermiogenesis - spermatids → spermatozoa

Unlike the female production of gametes which occurs entirely before birth, with gamete maturation occurring in a pulsatile fashion after puberty, males produce gametes continuously from puberty onwards for the rest of their reproductive lives and the release of the gametes is constant.


The seminiferous tubules

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.

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.

Stages of spermatogenesis

Sperm developing within seminiferous tubule

The proliferation phase

Stem or A spermatogonia located in the basal region of the tubular epithelium undergo mitosis. The progeny of these divisions maintain their own numbers as well as giving rise to several interconnected B spermatogonia (the number of these arising from a single A spermatogonia is species dependent). B spermatogonia divide to give rise to primary (1o) spermatocytes. All descendants of a B spermatogonium remain connected by cytoplasmic bridges, forming a syncytium - like cell clone which undergoes synchronous development.

The meiotic phase

Each 1o spermatocyte divides to give rise to two short-lived 2o spermatocytes, which in turn give rise to two spermatids each, each of which contain a haploid number of chromosomes (half the number of a somatic cell). 1o spermatocytes are the largest cells in the spermatogenic series and are located approximately midway within the seminiferous epithelium.

The process of meiosis occurs over a long period, with prophase of the first meiotic division taking up to 3 weeks [1]


The differentiation phase

This phase is also known as spermiogenesis.

Spermatids undergo transformation into spermatozoa. Many changes occur within the cells, the 3 major ones being i) formation of the acrosome, which covers the cranial part of the head. The acrosome will contain hydrolytic enzymes to allow fusion of sperm and egg for fertilisation.

ii) condensation of nuclear chromatin in the head to form a dark-staining structure

iii) growth of the tail opposite the acrosome, and loss of excess cytoplasmic material which is shed as a residual body. The body is phagoctosed by the Sertoli cells.

The morphological changes occurring during this process can be seen if sections of different seminiferous tubules are examined.

Hormonal Control of spermatogenesis

The production of sperm is controlled by hormones influencing sertoli cells rather than sperm cells directly. Hormonal control is via the two gonadotrophins luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

  • LH acts on the interstitial leydig cells stimulating them to produce the androgen testosterone.
  • FSH acts on the sertoli cells within the seminipherous tubules stimulating production of Androgen Binding Protein as well as Inhibin


  1. Hess RA, Spermatogenesis, overview. In: Knobil E, Neil JD (eds.), Encyclopedia of Reproduction. New York: Academic Press; 1999: pp. 539–545


Spermatogenesis and Spermiation - Anatomy & Physiology Learning Resources
VideoWikiVideo.png
Videos
Selection of relevant videos
Dissection of the equine testicle
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PowerPoint
Selection of relevant PowerPoint tutorials
Histology of the Male reproductive tract