The fecundating fluid of the male.
The male reproductive cell that fertilizes the ovum.
The male sex cell, which unites with the female egg (ovum), normally in the fallopian tubes, in the process of fertilization, to form a fertilized egg, or zygote. Sperm are manufactured in the testes and matured in the epididymis (a “holding area” behind the testes); sperm production is the key sign of male sexual maturity, beginning in puberty.
The male reproductive cell, which is produced in great numbers in the testicles beginning at puberty; also called spermatozoa. The production of sperm is triggered by the male sex hormone testosterone and gonadotropin hormones produced in the pituitary gland. A single sperm has an enlarged head, which contains the cell nucleus and genetic material. A tail on the cell propels the highly mobile sperm. Sperm cells exit a man’s body in a fluid called semen, during the process of ejaculation. An ejaculation can contain 500 million sperm. As a result of sexual intercourse, a single sperm may join with an egg in the process of fertilization, which may result in pregnancy. Because of the unique way that both sperm and egg cells divide (meiosis), a single sperm contains only half as much genetic information as any other cell in the body. When a sperm and egg unite, the genetic material from each parent is mixed in the new cell that is formed.
The sex cell that is made by the testes and that is needed to fertilize an egg from a female.
The generative gamete of the male, housing genetic data and engaging in the process of fertilizing an egg.
The male reproductive cell, known as a spermatozoon (plural: spermatozoa), plays a key role in fertilizing the female egg (ovum). Each sperm measures approximately 0.05 mm in length and consists of a head containing genetic material, as well as a tail that propels the sperm through the female reproductive tract following ejaculation. At the top of the sperm’s head, enzymes are located that facilitate its penetration of the outer membrane of the ovum.
The initiation of sperm production occurs during puberty. Spermatozoa are created within the seminiferous tubules of the testes and reach maturity within the epididymis, situated just behind each testis. This progression relies on the presence of testosterone and gonadotropin hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Conditions such as oligospermia (low sperm count) or azoospermia (lack of sperm) can contribute to issues of infertility.