Spermatogenesis occurs in the wall of the seminiferous tubules with stem cells at the periphery of the tube and

the
spermatozoa at the lumen of the tube. Immediately under the capsule of the tubule are
diploid, undifferentiated cells. These stem cells, called spermatogonia (singular: spermatagonium), go through mitosis
with one offspring going on to differentiate into a sperm cell and the other giving rise to the next generation of sperm.
Meiosis starts with a cell called a primary spermatocyte. Spermatocytogenesis involves the formation of spermatocytes
and takes place in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubule. The process begins with the primary
spermatocytes undergoing the first meiotic division.
At the end of meosis I, two haploid cells are produced called secondary spermatocytes. It is then followed by the
second meiotic division.
At the end of meiosis II, four haploid spermatids are produced. Two of these spermatids carry the X maternal
chromosome while the other two spermatids carry the Y paternal chromosome; both are necessary genetic materials for
species replication.
Each spermatid will subsequently undergo spermiogenesis, a metamorphosis into spermatozoa or sperm cell. It follows
the movement of sperm into the epididymis, a tube connected to the testicles. Sperm cells entering the epididymis
complete maturation after 10–14 days of transit, aided by protein secretions from epididymal cells. The epididymis
preserves sperm until ejaculation. This is also where sperm gain motility through the development of flagellum. This
enables them to travel when released in seminal fluid (semen) during ejaculation. Four sperm with a head, midpiece,
and tail result from each primary spermatocyte that goes through meiosis.