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THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAT SPERMATID
Author(s) -
Austin C. R.,
Sapsford C. S.
Publication year - 1951
Publication title -
journal of the royal microscopical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0368-3974
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1951.tb00393.x
Subject(s) - spermatid , acrosome , golgi apparatus , centriole , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , nucleus , biology , spermiogenesis , vesicle , sperm , cytoplasm , biophysics , endoplasmic reticulum , botany , membrane , biochemistry
SYNOPSIS. The stages of development of the rat spermatid as seen with the phase‐contrast microscope are described and illustrated. The process as thus discerned is generally consistent with previous accounts, but differs in certain particulars. The short dark rods in the Golgi apparatus of the early spermatids form a U‐shaped structure at later stages. The bead deposited by the Golgi apparatus upon the surface of the nucleus is developed by the coalescence of three or four small beads or granules which make their appearance in the Golgi apparatus. The axial filaments of the early spermatids are generally seen entirely confined within the cytoplasm and often exhibit vigorous motility in this situation. Three centrioles are seen for a limited period of spermatid development. The transformation of the spermatid nucleus into the sperm head occurs by a process of lateral development and not by anterior extension. The meaning of the terms “acrosome” and “perforatorium” is discussed. It is considered that the rod (“acrosome”) is a thickened part of the head‐cap, and that the bead probably does not contribute directly to the formation of the rod. The mature sperm head is composed of four major parts—nucleus, rod, vesicle, and head‐cap. It is suggested that the vesicle lying near the tip of the head may carry an active agent for the penetration of the zona pellucida.