Spermatogenesis

sperm develop in the seminiferous tubules of the testes

primordial sperm cells called spermatogonia

lie dormant in the outer compartment of the tubules

from the late fetal period until puberty at puberty the spermatogonia undergo mitotic divisions giving rise to genetically

identical cells. The cells grow gradually into primary spermatocytes, preparing to divide into cells half their size.

Each of these primary spermatocytes undergoes a first meiotic division, forming two smaller haploid cells known as secondary spermatocytes.

These secondary spermatocytes divide once more, giving rise to four haploid cells called spermatids,

containing exactly half of the father's genetic material. Through a process known as spermiogenesis, the spermatids change shape, transforming into mature sperm cells.

The spermatid's nucleus condenses, the acrosome appears, and the tail begins to grow.

Much of the cytoplasm is shed. As spermiogenesis completes, the sperm cells break free from the sertoli cell lining of the tubules into the lumina.

The sperm cells are then stored in the epididymis where they functionally mature.