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Chapter 4 - Current Understanding of the Physiology and Histology of Human Spermatogenesis

from Section 2 - The Biology of Male Reproduction and Infertility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 December 2023

By
Chiara Capponi  and
Elena Vicini
Edited by
Douglas T. Carrell ,
Alexander W. Pastuszak  and
James M. Hotaling
Douglas T. Carrell
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
Alexander W. Pastuszak
Affiliation:
University of Utah
James M. Hotaling
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
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Summary

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that ensures daily production of mature male gametes. The differentiation of spermatogonia stem cells into spermatozoa requires the unfolding of several events that are highly regulated in time and space. During spermatogenesis, which takes place inside the seminiferous tubules, germ cells undergo profound morphological rearrangement as can be observed by classical histological analysis of human testis specimens. Spermatogenesis also brings about the dramatic rearrangement of genetic makeover of developing germ cells including homologous recombination and changes in the epigenetic landscape. In this chapter the different phases of human spermatogenesis and cell types involved are described with an emphasis on their morphological arrangements. In parallel, an update on novel findings concerning the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, the kinetic of spermatogonial compartment, and the implications of single-cell transcriptome analysis of testicular cells will be provided.

Keywords

spermatogenesishumanspermatogonial stem cellsmale infertilitysingle cell RNA sequencing
Type
Chapter
Information
Men's Reproductive and Sexual Health Throughout the Lifespan
An Integrated Approach to Fertility, Sexual Function, and Vitality
 , pp. 23 - 33
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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