Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development in the male reproductive system. It takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

The seminiferous tubules are the functional units of the testes and are responsible for the production of sperm cells. These tubules are lined with specialized cells called Sertoli cells, which support and nourish the developing sperm cells. Spermatogenesis begins with the division of spermatogonia, which are the diploid stem cells located near the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules.

- Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes.
- Primary spermatocytes then undergo the first meiotic division to form secondary spermatocytes.
- Secondary spermatocytes undergo the second meiotic division to produce haploid spermatids.
- Spermatids then undergo a process called spermiogenesis, which involves the differentiation and maturation of the spermatids into sperm cells.
- Finally, mature sperm cells are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules.

The rete testis, on the other hand, is a network of tubules located at the mediastinum testis, which is a connective tissue structure in the testes. The rete testis acts as a collecting system for the sperm cells produced in the seminiferous tubules.

- The sperm cells move from the seminiferous tubules into the rete testis through the efferent ductules.
- From the rete testis, the sperm cells then pass into the vasa efferentia, which are small tubes that connect the rete testis to the epididymis.

Therefore, spermatogenesis is complete in the seminiferous tubules, where the sperm cells are produced and undergo maturation. The rete testis and vasa efferentia serve as conduits for the transport of the sperm cells out of the testes.