Spermatozoa
Spermatozoa
Spermatozoa (pronounced: sper-muh-toh-zoh-uh), also known as sperm, are the male reproductive cells.
Etymology
The term "spermatozoa" is derived from the Greek words "sperma" meaning "seed" and "zoa" meaning "animals".
Definition
Spermatozoa are the mature male gametes in many sexually reproducing organisms. Thus, they are the counterpart to the female's ovum. They are produced in the testes and are involved in fertilizing the ovum to form a new organism.
Structure
Spermatozoa are composed of a head, a midpiece and a tail. The head contains the genetic material (DNA), the midpiece contains mitochondria which provide energy for the movement, and the tail propels the sperm cell towards the ovum.
Function
The primary function of the spermatozoa is to deliver the male's genetic material to the female's ovum during fertilization. This process results in the formation of a zygote, which develops into a new individual.
Related Terms
- Gamete: A mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.
- Fertilization: The action or process of fertilizing an egg, female animal, or plant, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
- Zygote: The cell formed by the union of a sperm and an ovum; the earliest stage of a developing organism.
- Testes: The male gonads, which produce sperm and secrete male sex hormones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spermatozoa
- Wikipedia's article - Spermatozoa
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