Spermatozoon

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

(Redirected from Spermatozoa)

Spermatozoon

A spermatozoon (plural spermatozoa), or sperm cell, is the male reproductive cell that is involved in the sexual reproduction of most animals, including humans. The term is derived from the Greek words "sperma" (meaning "seed") and "zoion" (meaning "animal").

Structure

A spermatozoon is a specialized cell that is typically composed of a head, a midpiece, and a tail. The head contains the nucleus, which carries the genetic material (in the form of DNA). The midpiece contains the mitochondria, which provide the energy for the sperm cell. The tail, or flagellum, enables the sperm cell to move.

Function

The primary function of a spermatozoon is to fertilize the female ovum (or egg cell) to produce a new individual. This process is known as fertilization. During fertilization, the sperm cell's nucleus merges with the nucleus of the ovum, combining their genetic material to form a zygote.

Production

Spermatozoa are produced in the male reproductive organs, specifically the testes. The process of sperm production is known as spermatogenesis. During spermatogenesis, precursor cells called spermatogonia undergo a series of divisions and transformations to become mature spermatozoa.

See also

References


External links

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

Spermatozoon

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD