Dictionary Definition
spermatocyte n : a male gametocyte that develops
into four spermatids
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Noun
spermatocyte (plural spermatocytes)- A male gametocyte, from which a spermatozoon develops.
Derived terms
Extensive Definition
A spermatocyte is a male gametocyte which is derived
from a spermatogonium. Initially
in spermatogenesis, a
spermatogonium divides by mitosis into two so-called
primary spermatocytes. A primary spermatocyte is also diploid, and,
in turn, gives place by meiosis to two secondary
spermatocytes, which this time are haploid.
Additional images
Image:Testicle-histology-boar.jpg|Histological
section through testicular parenchyma of a boar. 1 Lumen of
Tubulus seminiferus contortus, 2 spermatids, 3 spermatocytes, 4 spermatogonia,
5 Sertoli
cell, 6 Myofibroblasts,
7 Leydig
cells, 8 capillaries