Sperm production occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testes. These are highly coiled structures inside the testicular lobules where spermatogenesis-the process of sperm cell development-takes place
. Key points about sperm production in the testes:
- The seminiferous tubules contain germ cells at various stages of development and supporting Sertoli cells that aid sperm maturation
- Surrounding the seminiferous tubules are Leydig cells, which produce testosterone but do not produce sperm
- After sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules, they move into the rete testis and then through efferent ducts to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored before ejaculation
In summary, the seminiferous tubules within the testis are the specific site of sperm production.
