1. Applied Developmental Biology The Hashemite University
Dr. Lubna Tahtamouni
The Hashemite University
23/2/2009
Week # 3
Spermatogenesis 1

2. Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis + Oogenesis

4. A. Spermatogenesis

5. Male Reproductive System
Production of:
Semen
Hormones

7. Semen 5% Sperm 2. 65% Secretions of seminal vesicles:
proteins, enzymes, mucus, fructose, prostaglandins
% secretions of prostate glands:
milky alkaline fluid, high in basic sugars, pH ~ 7.3-8

8. Testis: Groups of Seminiferous Tubules

9. Cross Section through Testis
Cells in spermatogenesis:
Spermatogenic cells
Sertoli cells
Leydig cells

10. Sertoli cells

11. prominent euchromatic nucleus and prominent nucleolus - cell sends processes around developing germ cells making cell margins difficult to
observe at LM level
inter-Sertoli cell tight junctions at the base of the tubule form blood testis barrier
- synthesizes and secretes a fluid into the lumen containing:
1. androgen binding protein (ABP) that binds testosterone and creates increased (total)
concentration of testosterone
- secretion of ABP stimulated by FSH and testosterone
2. inhibin that suppresses FSH secretion from pituitary
provides environment for germ cell development (nurse cell)
phagocytose and digest shed residual bodies produced by developing germ cells

12. interstitial cells of Leydig (Leydig cells):
- steroid-synthesizing cell with enriched sER and mitochondria - produce and secrete testosterone - stimulated by LH and prolactin from pituitary

13. Seminiferous Tubule

14. Spermatogenesis

15. Spermatogenesis

16. Spermatogenesis
Spermatocytogenesis
Meiosis
Spermiogenesis

17. Spermiogenesis

18. The shape of a human sperm cell is adapted to its function
Middle piece
Neck
Head
Plasma membrane
Tail
Mitochondrion (spiral shape)
Nucleus
Acrosome

19. Cross Section through the Tail

21. Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis

22. Semen Analysis – reference values
Semen value
Volume
Concentration
Motility
Morphology
Normal range
> 2.0ml
> 20 million/ml
> 40% motile
>14%