Spermatids

Spermiogenesis is the stage of spermatogenesis during which the spermatocyte after completing meiosis undergoes differentiation to the round spermatid followed by the elongated spermatid state. This involves chromatin condensation and morphological and molecular differentiation to spermatozoa. Sperm cells are then ready to be released to the epididymis where they mature to the final functional stage able to transit the female reproductive tract and fertilize an egg. Spermatids are perhaps the most critical step necessary to achieve the final, functional form of the male gamete. Not only are there profound morphological changes involving the sperm head, mid-piece and tail, there is also considerable change in the intracellular organelles and in gene expression specific to the sperm itself.