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HistologyBody systemsMale reproductive systemSpermatogonia
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HistologyBody systemsMale reproductive systemSpermatogonia

Spermatogonia

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 08, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Testis histology [18:29]
Histology of the testis.
Spermatogonia
1/2
Synonyms: none

Spermatogonia are small, round stem and progenitor cells of the testes that give rise to spermatozoa through the process of spermatogenesis. They are diploid cells and possess 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Spermatogonia are located specifically in the basal compartment of the epithelial wall of the seminiferous tubules of the testes. They measure about 12 μm in diameter and lie in close association with sustentocyte (Sertoli cell) surfaces, which support the development and maturation of spermatozoa.

There are two main subpopulations of spermatogonia: type A and type B. These can be distinguished based on histological features and function.

  • Type A spermatogonia function as stem cells and typically bear dark, ovoid nuclei with condensed chromatin. These cells produce new type A and type B spermatogonia.
  • Type B spermatogonia, on the other hand, give rise to progenitor cells with pale-staining, spherical nuclei which are responsible for the production of spermatozoa.
Terminology English: Spermatogonia

Latin: Spermatogonia
Definition Diploid germ (stem) cell that produces spermatozoa
Function Maintenance the germ (stem) cell pool
Production of spermatozoa

Learn more about spermatogonia of the testes in the following study unit:

Testis Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
  • Ross, M. H., & Pawlina, W. (2011). Histology : a text and atlas : with correlated cell and molecular biology (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone
  • Young, B., O'Dowd, G., & Woodford, P. (2014). Wheater's functional histology: A text and colour atlas. Churchill Livingston/Elsevier.

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