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Chapter category: Reproductive Biology

Spermatogenesis and Cycle of the Seminiferous Epithelium

This chapter appears in the following book:

Molecular Mechanisms
in Spermatogenesis

Edited by: C. Yan Cheng
ISBN: 978-0-387-79990-2
» Get more information about this book at landesbioscience.com «

Chapter authors:
Rex A. Hess and Luiz Renato de Franca


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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.

Rex A. Hess
Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois

Luiz Renato de Franca
Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerias

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