Sperm (Spermatozoa)

• Sperm, or spermatozoa, are male reproductive cells that fertilize the female egg (ovum) to create an embryo, leading to the development of a fetus.

Structure of Sperm (Spermatozoa)

• Sperm cells have a specialized structure consisting of three main parts:

1. Head:

   • Contains the nucleus with genetic material (DNA) passed to the offspring.
   • Covered by the acrosome, a cap-like structure with enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the egg.

2. Midpiece:

   • Connects the head to the tail and houses mitochondria, providing energy for sperm movement.

3. Tail (Flagellum):

   • A whip-like structure that propels the sperm, allowing it to swim through the female reproductive tract.

Sperm Production

• Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules within the testes through spermatogenesis:
• Spermatogonia (precursor cells) undergo mitosis and meiosis to form mature sperm with half the chromosomes of normal body cells, ensuring correct chromosomal count after fertilization.

Maturation and Storage

• After spermatogenesis, sperm move to the epididymis, a coiled tube where they mature and are stored until ejaculation.

Ejaculation and Fertilization

• During ejaculation, sperm mix with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands to form semen.
• The sperm travel through the female reproductive tract, and if they reach the fallopian tubes where an ovum is present, they use acrosomal enzymes to penetrate the egg.
• One sperm fuses with the ovum, combining their genetic material in a process called fertilization, resulting in a zygote that can develop into an embryo.

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