Male Reproductive System
Lets break this down into the making of sperm and the delivery of it (thats me, the old romantic). Sperm is made by the testes, when luteinising hormone (see endocrine system) causes the testes to make testosterone, which then causes stem cells in the testes to develop into spermatocytes. Each spermatocyte has two sets (1 pair) of genetic information and is called diploid, but they then divide (through a process called meiosis) into two spermatocytes with only 1 set of genetic information and are called haploid.
*This step is really amazing because we need 2 sets of genetic information to make a person, one from your mom and one from your dad. So your mom gives you half of her genetic information and your dad gives you the other half.*
Follicle stimulating hormone stimulates this process of primary meiosis. Follicle stimulating hormone also increases production of androgen binding protein by the Setoli cells of the testes, which then increases the levels of testosterone, which as mentioned above is required for spermatocyte production.
Each haploid cell then forms into 2 identical spermatid cells, meaning that 1 diploid spermatocyte has caused the production of 4 spermatid cells, of 2 identical pairs. These cells then grow a flagellum (like a tail, to allow them to swim) and a sperm head and are now termed sperm.
Young sperm move to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. Mature sperm is moved through the vas deferens via peristalsis (a process similar to swallowing – see digestive system) and to the ejaculatory duct. The seminal vesicles produce a fluid to provide sperm with energy and to help it move. The ejaculatory duct opens and the sperm mixed fluid is moved into the urethra, where a fluid of enzymes and proteins from the prostate gland is combined, to support the sperm during ejaculation.
*This step is really amazing because we need 2 sets of genetic information to make a person, one from your mom and one from your dad. So your mom gives you half of her genetic information and your dad gives you the other half.*
Follicle stimulating hormone stimulates this process of primary meiosis. Follicle stimulating hormone also increases production of androgen binding protein by the Setoli cells of the testes, which then increases the levels of testosterone, which as mentioned above is required for spermatocyte production.
Each haploid cell then forms into 2 identical spermatid cells, meaning that 1 diploid spermatocyte has caused the production of 4 spermatid cells, of 2 identical pairs. These cells then grow a flagellum (like a tail, to allow them to swim) and a sperm head and are now termed sperm.
Young sperm move to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. Mature sperm is moved through the vas deferens via peristalsis (a process similar to swallowing – see digestive system) and to the ejaculatory duct. The seminal vesicles produce a fluid to provide sperm with energy and to help it move. The ejaculatory duct opens and the sperm mixed fluid is moved into the urethra, where a fluid of enzymes and proteins from the prostate gland is combined, to support the sperm during ejaculation.