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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...

Apoptosis

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.

Sperm Transport

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

Fertilization

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

Infertility in Males

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

[Sperm apoptosis: myth or reality?].

P Marchetti¹, C Marchetti

¹Centre de biopathologie, CHU de Lille, Lille, France.

Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite

|May 26, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is vital for tissue homeostasis and is implicated in male infertility. Detecting apoptotic spermatozoa in semen may improve semen quality assessment for assisted reproductive technology.

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Published on: February 6, 2018

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Reproductive Biology
Pathology

Context:

Apoptosis is essential for tissue homeostasis during embryonic development and in adult organs.
The human spermatogenetic epithelium also undergoes apoptosis.
Dysregulation of apoptosis is linked to pathologies like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, and male infertility.

Purpose:

To explore the role and significance of apoptosis in human spermatogenesis.
To investigate the presence and implications of apoptotic features in semen of infertile patients.
To assess the potential utility of apoptotic markers in evaluating semen quality for assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Summary:

Apoptotic features are observed in the semen of infertile men.
These features may serve as indicators of semen quality, particularly within the context of ART.
Further research is needed to fully understand the meaning of apoptotic damage in spermatozoa.

Impact:

Highlights the importance of apoptosis in male reproductive health.
Suggests a potential biomarker for male infertility diagnosis.
Informs future research directions in reproductive medicine and ART.