Final answer:
Spermatogenesis occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testes, where stem cells called spermatogonia differentiate and develop into mature sperm.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sperm production, also known as spermatogenesis, occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testes. This process is essential for male fertility and involves several stages. Initially, stem cells known as spermatogonia undergo mitosis. One of these cells continues as a stem cell, while the other becomes a primary spermatocyte which will undergo meiosis to produce sperm. As the sperm cells develop, they move from the periphery of the seminiferous tubules towards the lumen, where fully developed sperm are located.
Within this environment, Sertoli cells act as "nursemaid" cells that protect and promote the development of germ cells. Additionally, the interstitial cells of Leydig, which are also present in the walls of the seminiferous tubules, produce testosterone, which is crucial for the spermatogenesis process. From the start of puberty, sperm production is a constant process throughout a man's life, with a cycle taking approximately 64 days.