Dictionary:

spermatocyte

  (spər-măt'ə-sīt', spûr'mə-tə-)

A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis to form four spermatids. A primary spermatocyte divides into two secondary spermatocytes, which in turn divide to form the spermatids.

A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis to form four spermatids.

The mother cell of a spermatid.

• primary s. — daughter cell of a spermatogonium (an incongruous nomenclature in such an intensely masculine context). It undergoes the first meiotic division.
• secondary s. — a cell produced by meiotic division of the primary spermatocyte, and which gives rise to the spermatid.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a male gametocyte that develops into four spermatids

Spermatocyte
Transverse section of a tubule of the testis of a rat. X 250.
Scheme showing analogies in the process of maturation of the ovum and the development of the spermatids (young spermatozoa).
Gray's	subject #258 1243
MeSH	Spermatocytes

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

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

Male reproductive system
Scrotum	layers (skin, Dartos, External spermatic fascia, Cremaster, Internal spermatic fascia) • Perineal raphe • Spermatic cord
Testes	layers (Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea) • Appendix • Mediastinum • Lobules • Septa • Leydig cell • Sertoli cell • Blood-testis barrier
Spermatogenesis	Spermatogonium • Spermatocytogenesis • Spermatocyte • Spermatidogenesis • Spermatid • Spermiogenesis • Spermatozoon
seminal tract	Seminiferous tubules (Tubuli seminiferi recti, Rete testis, Efferent ducts) • Epididymis  (Appendix) • Vas deferens • Ejaculatory duct  Seminal colliculus
urinary tract	Internal urethral orifice • Urethra (Prostatic, Intermediate, Spongy) • Urethral crest • Urethral gland • External urethral orifice
Penis	Corpus cavernosum • Corpus spongiosum • Navicular fossa of male urethra • Glans penis • Fundiform ligament • Suspensory ligament • Foreskin • Frenulum
accessory glands	Seminal vesicles  (Excretory duct of seminal gland) • Prostate  (Prostatic utricle, Prostatic sinus) • Bulbourethral glands

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