Spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in mammals. 1985

P Esponda
Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y.

This is a summarizing review about some aspects of the morphogenesis and characteristics of mammalian spermatozoon. The morphology, biogenesis and function of the different spermatozoon structures are analysed, as well as different aspects, like immunology and endocrine control. Comparative morphology, fate and function of the male gamete during its passage through the epididymis and female tract are commented. The fact, that the phenomenon of spermiogenesis continues with the maturative changes in the epididymis, and that modifications occur in the female genital tract is put forward; this idea seems to be basic for understanding the role of many spermatozoon structures, as well as many biochemical and molecular changes that take place in the gamete. On the other hand, all these changes (spermiogenesis, maturation, capacitation and acrosomal reaction in the female tract), as well as the interaction sperm/egg are sequentially dependent, and are focussed on the sperming capacity of reaching and fertilizing the egg. Many gaps exist in regard to the functional role of different spermatozoon structures, and three important questions are emphasized with a view to solving these problems: a) The importance of the comparative analysis of spermatozoon and egg structures in different mammalian species. b) The necessity to develop ample studies using in vivo situations, particularly in reference to the changes occurred in the female tract. In this regard, the majority of studies have been developed in the in vitro situation, which is very different from the natural environment. c) The importance of using and compiling the different data (morphological, biochemical, molecular, etc.) about spermiogenesis, spermatozoon and fertilization. In the future, the use of new technologies appears as a promising idea to clarify doubts about spermatozoa biogenesis and function in mammals.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008322 Mammals Warm-blooded vertebrate animals belonging to the class Mammalia, including all that possess hair and suckle their young. Mammalia,Mammal
D004822 Epididymis The convoluted cordlike structure attached to the posterior of the TESTIS. Epididymis consists of the head (caput), the body (corpus), and the tail (cauda). A network of ducts leaving the testis joins into a common epididymal tubule proper which provides the transport, storage, and maturation of SPERMATOZOA.
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012670 Seminiferous Epithelium The epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules composed of primary male germ cells (SPERMATOGONIA) and supporting SERTOLI CELLS. As SPERMATOGENESIS proceeds, the developing germ cells migrate toward the lumen. The adluminal compartment, the inner two thirds of the tubules, contains SPERMATOCYTES and the more advanced germ cells. Epithelium, Seminiferous,Epitheliums, Seminiferous,Seminiferous Epitheliums
D012708 Sertoli Cells Supporting cells projecting inward from the basement membrane of SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES. They surround and nourish the developing male germ cells and secrete the ANDROGEN-BINDING PROTEIN and hormones such as ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE. The tight junctions of Sertoli cells with the SPERMATOGONIA and SPERMATOCYTES provide a BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER. Sertoli Cell,Cell, Sertoli,Cells, Sertoli
D013077 Sperm Head The anterior portion of the spermatozoon (SPERMATOZOA) that contains mainly the nucleus with highly compact CHROMATIN material. Head, Sperm,Heads, Sperm,Sperm Heads
D013082 Sperm Tail The posterior filiform portion of the spermatozoon (SPERMATOZOA) that provides sperm motility. Sperm Flagellum,Flagellum, Sperm,Flagellums, Sperm,Sperm Flagellums,Sperm Tails,Tail, Sperm,Tails, Sperm
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