What does spermatogonium mean?
A spermatogonium is a diploid precursor cell found in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. It is part of the process of spermatogenesis, the series of cell divisions and developmental changes that produces sperm cells. Spermatogonia divide to form spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis, the specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number and creates genetic variation. Some spermatogonia function as stem cells, maintaining the population from which new sperm-forming cells continually develop. The term is principally used in reproductive biology, histology, and medical research. It should not be confused with a mature sperm cell or with a spermatozoon: the spermatogonium is an earlier stage in the development sequence, before meiosis and differentiation have occurred.
nounA diploid cell in the seminiferous tubules of the testis that develops into sperm cells. Spermatogonia divide to produce spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis and ultimately give rise to spermatozoa.
- A precursor cell in the testis that gives rise to cells developing into spermatozoa.
"The section showed several spermatogonia lining the seminiferous tubule."
"Spermatogonia are present in the seminiferous tubules of adult testes."
"Researchers studied how spermatogonia maintain the stem-cell population in the testis."
The plural is commonly used for the population of these cells in the testis.
"The tissue contains multiple spermatogonia arranged along the basement membrane."
Each spermatogonium is a starting point in the delicate cellular assembly line that produces sperm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spermatogonium come from?
The term comes from New Latin, formed from Greek spermat-, meaning “seed,” and -gonium, referring to a seed or reproductive cell. The underlying roots connect it with other words describing male reproductive structures and processes, including spermatozoon and spermatogenesis. Its sense as a testicular precursor cell was established through modern biological and medical terminology.
Related word forms
How spermatogonium is actually used
This is a specialized biological term, usually used in anatomy, histology, and reproductive biology. The singular refers to one cell type, while the plural commonly refers to the population of cells.