Spermatogenesis and cycle of the seminiferous epithelium.
Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process of cellular transformation that produces male haploid germ cells from diploid spermatogonial stem cells. This process has been simplified morphologically by recognizing cellular associations or 'stages' and 'phases' of spermatogenesis, which progress through precisely timed and highly organized cycles. These cycles of spermatogenesis are essential for continuous sperm production, which is dependent upon numerous factors, both intrinsic (Sertoli and germ cells) and extrinsic (androgens, retinoic acids), as well as being species-specific.
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802-6199, USA. rexhess@uiuc.edu
Rex A
RA
Hess
Luiz
L
Renato de Franca
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008297:Male; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000254:growth & development*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*