Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Spermiogenesis and Spermiation?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Spermiogenesis and Spermiation?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between spermiogenesis and spermiation lies in the processes they involve:

  • Spermiogenesis: This is the process by which haploid round spermatids undergo a series of transformations to become mature, elongated spermatids. During spermiogenesis, the nucleus polarizes to one side of the cell, the nucleus condenses and elongates, and the microtubule-based manchette sculpts the nucleus into its species-specific head shape. The assembly of the central component of the sperm flagellum, known as the axoneme, begins early in spermiogenesis.
  • Spermiation: This is the process by which mature spermatids are released from Sertoli cells into the seminiferous tubule lumen prior to their passage to the epididymis. Spermiation is the final stage of spermiogenesis.

In summary, spermiogenesis is the process of transforming spermatids into spermatozoa, while spermiation is the release of mature spermatozoa from Sertoli cells into the cavity of seminiferous tubules.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Spermiogenesis and Spermiation?
  • Comparative Table: Spermiogenesis vs Spermiation

    • Comparative Table: Spermiogenesis vs Spermiation

    The difference between spermiogenesis and spermiation can be summarized as follows:

    Feature Spermiogenesis Spermiation
    Definition Spermiogenesis is the process of transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa. Spermiation is the process of release of spermatozoa from Sertoli cells.
    Occurrence It occurs in the seminiferous tubules. It occurs in the Sertoli cells.
    Formation Spermatids are formed. Spermatozoa are formed.
    Role It is the final stage of spermatogenesis. It is a subdivision of spermatogenesis.
    Cell Involvement Sertoli cells nourish and groom the spermatids into mature spermatozoa. Sertoli cells release the mature spermatozoa into the cavity of the seminiferous tubules.

    Both spermiogenesis and spermiation are essential processes in spermatogenesis, which leads to the production of mature spermatozoa. Defects in these processes can result in poor sperm motility, reduced or low sperm count, and abnormalities in sperm morphology, potentially causing problems in egg fertilization and natural conception.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.