Spermatogenesis + hormonal control Flashcards
What is spermatogenesis?
Process by which the seminiferous tubules inside the testis produce sperm
Each seminiferous tubule is about _____ long and there are _______ per testis.
Each seminiferous tubule is about 30-70 cm long and there are 500 per testis.
How many sperm can a male make per day?
300 milion
How long does it take for each sperm cell to develop?
64-72 days
Once sperm have been released from the seminiferous tubules and go to the epididymis how long do they spend to mature there?
They spend 10-14 in the epididymis
What is the “overall mission” of a sperm cell?
to fertilize a secondary oocye in the female reproductive system
How many sperm are in an ejaculation?
300-400 million sperm cells
About how many of the sperm ejaculated will reach the uterine tubes?
About 100-200 individual sperm will reach the uterine tubes. only 1 will fertilize ovum though
What is the lifespan of a sperm cell once it gets into the female reproductive tract?
24-27 hours AKA 1-3 days
When does hormonal control of spermatogenesis begin?
at puberty
Trace the path of hormonal control we talked abot…
Hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) —–> GnRH stimulates the Anterior pituitary gland to release LH and FSH
Luteinizing hormone (LH):
-released by anterior pituitary gland
-stimulates testis to secrete testosterone
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH):
-released by anterior pituitary gland
-goes straight to the seminiferous tubules to work with testosterone to create sperm
What is testosterone regulated by?
The amount of LH in system
Testosterone effects
-develop male reproductive system
-sexual characteristics
-behavior/function
-Contributes to spermatogeneisis
-stimulates muscle development
