top of page
Search

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.

Sperm
Sperm

Structure of Sperm:

  • 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 are mixed with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, 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.


Related Posts

See All

Introduction of Animals Act, 1960

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 , was enacted by the Government of India  to prevent unnecessary pain, suffering, and...

Offences and Penalties

Offences under the Act (Section 7): Publishing or displaying any advertisement that violates the Act’s provisions is considered an...

bottom of page