What is spermatogenesis?

Spermatogenesis refers specifically to the process of producing sperm cells within the male reproductive system. This process occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes and involves several stages, including the division of spermatogonia (the stem cells for sperm) into spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis to ultimately form mature sperm cells.

This process is vital for reproduction, as sperm cells are necessary to fertilize the female egg, and it results in the formation of millions of sperm daily in healthy males. The entire process is regulated by hormones and also significantly influences male fertility.

The other options refer to different reproductive processes: the production of egg cells is known as oogenesis, fertilization is the union of sperm and egg, and the developmental stage of a zygote refers to the very early stage after an egg has been fertilized. Each of these concepts plays a role in reproduction but does not define spermatogenesis specifically.