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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...

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...

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Physiological Barriers

Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Physiological Barriers

Drug distribution in the body is intricately regulated by various physiological barriers that control the passage of substances. These include the capillary endothelial barrier, the blood-brain, blood-cerebrospinal fluid, blood-placental, and blood-testis barriers.
The capillary endothelial barrier allows only smaller molecules below 600 Da (Daltons) to pass through. It also restricts drugs like heparin that are bound to blood components, limiting their movement within the bloodstream.
The...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Environmental/lifestyle effects on spermatogenesis.

Richard M Sharpe¹

¹MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK. r.sharpe@hrsu.mrc.ac.uk

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences

|April 21, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Declining sperm counts in men are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors affecting sperm production throughout life. While some chemicals show effects, modern Western lifestyles pose a greater risk to male reproductive health.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Environmental Health
Andrology

Background:

Rising incidence of low sperm counts in young men highlights the importance of environmental and lifestyle impacts on spermatogenesis.
Sperm count decline over recent decades necessitates understanding factors affecting male reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review potential environmental and lifestyle causes of impaired spermatogenesis.
To differentiate between irreversible perinatal effects and potentially reversible adult-onset effects on sperm production.

Main Methods:

Literature review assessing effects on testis development and spermatogenesis.
Evaluation of evidence for environmental chemicals, lifestyle factors, and occupational exposures.

Main Results:

Perinatal factors (e.g., Sertoli cell number) may cause irreversible damage, while adult exposures can be reversible.
Lifestyle factors like obesity and smoking, and environmental exposures (traffic fumes, dioxins) negatively impact testes throughout life.
Evidence does not generally support adverse effects of common environmental chemicals on general population sperm counts, unlike occupational exposures.

Conclusions:

Modern Western lifestyle (sedentary behavior, obesity) poses a significant risk to sperm production.
Environmental and lifestyle factors throughout the life course are critical for male reproductive health.
Men's natural sperm production efficiency may make them more vulnerable to environmental and lifestyle insults.