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Spermiation — the sperm release process: Ultrastructural observations and unresolved problems

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Ultrastructure of Reproduction

Part of the book series: Electron Microscopy in Biology and Medicine ((EMBM,volume 2))

Abstract

The release of germ cells from the epithelium of the seminiferous tubule signals the end of spermatogenesis and the beginning of the passage of these highly differentiated cells through the excurrent duct system. At the time of release germ cells no longer should be termed spermatids but spermatozoa or, simply, sperm. Sperm have attained virtually their final form at the time they are liberated; however, they are functionally immature and still lack the capacity to fertilize.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA

    Lonnie D. Russell

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  1. Lonnie D. Russell
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

    Jonathan Van Blerkom Ph.D.

  2. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome, Viale R. Elena 289, 00161, Rome, Italy

    Pietro M. Motta M.D., Ph. D.

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© 1984 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Boston

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Russell, L.D. (1984). Spermiation — the sperm release process: Ultrastructural observations and unresolved problems. In: Van Blerkom, J., Motta, P.M. (eds) Ultrastructure of Reproduction. Electron Microscopy in Biology and Medicine, vol 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3867-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3867-3_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3869-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-3867-3

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