Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a sequence of highly intricate stages by which an undifferentiated diploid spermatogonium matures into a specialized, genetically unique haploid spermatozoon. Within the Sertoli cells, both mitosis and meiosis are responsible for transforming the diploid spermatogonial cells into unique haploid spermatids. This process requires the assistance of hormones regulated via the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis—namely, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). However, not all spermatogonia are destined to mature. In fact, most undergo apoptosis and are phagocytosed. Through spermiogenesis, spermatids elongate to form spermatozoa, which then leave the Sertoli cells and enter the epididymis for final maturation. Here, they acquire motility and acrosomal function, which are necessary for successful fertilization. This entire process from production to ejaculation of mature spermatozoa takes, on average, 64 days to complete. Essentially, spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis create fully functional spermatozoa that can travel efficiently through the female reproductive tract to the ovum and allows for the contribution of exclusive male genes to the offspring genome. This chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of sperm biology from production to ejaculation.
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Durairajanayagam, D., Rengan, A., Sharma, R., Agarwal, A. (2015). Sperm Biology from Production to Ejaculation. In: Schattman, G., Esteves, S., Agarwal, A. (eds) Unexplained Infertility. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2140-9_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2140-9_5
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