spermatogenesis

[ spur-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis, spur-muh-tuh- ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the origin and development of spermatozoa.

spermatogenesis

/ ˌspɜːmətəʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk; ˌspɜːmətəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. the formation and maturation of spermatozoa in the testis See also spermatocyte

spermatogenesis

/ spər-măt′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs,spûr′mə-tə- /

1. The formation and development of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis in humans begins with the spermatogonium, the diploid cell that undergoes mitosis to form new spermatogonia as well as cells called primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then undergoes the first meiotic division to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division to produce two nonmotile cells called spermatids. The four spermatids then develop flagella and become sperm. Since some of the original spermatogonia replace themselves, the males are able to produce large numbers of sperm continuously after sexual maturity.

Derived Forms

• spermatogenetic, adjective

Other Words From

• sper·ma·to·ge·net·ic [spur-m, uh, -toh-j, uh, -, net, -ik, sper-mat-oh-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spermatogenesis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; spermato-, -genesis

Example Sentences

Spermatogenesis of Caloptenus femur-rubrum and Cicada tibicen.

From Project Gutenberg