spermatogonium
Quick Summary
A spermatogonium is a primitive male germ cell. These cells are the origin of sperm cells within the male reproductive organs, the testes. Within the testes, specifically in the seminiferous tubules, spermatogonia are found along the walls. They begin the process of sperm development through cell duplication via mitosis. Half of the resulting cells remain as stem cells, ensuring a continuous supply, while the other half develop into primary sperm cells. These primary sperm cells then undergo further division to become secondary sperm cells, eventually maturing into spermatozoa, the mature sperm cells capable of fertilization. This entire process of sperm cell development is known as spermatogenesis.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
spermatogenesisThe immature cells (called spermatogonia) are all derived from cells called stem cells in the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules. The stem cells are composed almost entirely of nuclear material. (The nucleus of the cell is the portion containing the chromosomes.) The stem cells begin their process by…
Read MoreThe immature cells (called spermatogonia) are all derived from cells called stem cells in the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules. The stem cells are composed almost entirely of nuclear material. (The nucleus of the cell is the portion containing the chromosomes.) The stem cells begin their process by…
Read More
testisSpermatogenesis…of undeveloped sperm-producing cells (spermatogonia) and the Sertoli cells. In the older male the tubules become branched, and spermatogonia are changed into the fertile sperm cells after a series of transformations called spermatogenesis. The Sertoli cells found in both young and adult males mechanically support and protect the spermatogonia.
Read More…of undeveloped sperm-producing cells (spermatogonia) and the Sertoli cells. In the older male the tubules become branched, and spermatogonia are changed into the fertile sperm cells after a series of transformations called spermatogenesis. The Sertoli cells found in both young and adult males mechanically support and protect the spermatogonia.
Read More