What is a sperm cell? Features of the male gamete

Medicine is rich in a variety of terms. Some of them are simple and understandable to ordinary people. Others require some explanation. This article will tell you about what a sperm is. You will learn about the peculiarities of the structure of this cell. You will also be able to find out how much the sperm is alive outside the body of a man. It is worth explaining about the main functions of gametes.

What is a sperm cell?

This cell is present in the body of males of different species. However, gamete is most often studied in humans. If you have a question, what is a spermatozoon, then this article will tell you about it.

Spermatozoon is a reproductive cell, without which it is impossible to continue the genus. It is formed in the testicles of a man and stands out during ejaculation. Many factors influence the production of spermatozoa. This is the work of the hormonal system of a man, his way of life, emotional and physical condition. The structure of gametes is very interesting. What is a sperm cell? This is a cell that has a head, a main body and a tail. Gametes are quite fast. This is what makes fertilization possible. Those cells that do not have one of the parts or move incorrectly are called sperm cells more often. It is worth saying that it is the sperm that determines the sex of the unborn child. This fact depends on the content of certain chromosomes in the gamete. A kit can contain an X or a yerk chromosome. Accordingly, at conception the female or man's fetus is formed.

Cell structure

As you already know, the sperm consists of a head, body and tail. These parts, in turn, have their own characteristics. Consider them.

• Head. This part contains a nucleus that has a certain set of chromosomes. It is very important for fertilization. In addition, there is an acrosome. This substance is not involved in the formation of the zygote. However, it allows you to dissolve the egg shell and penetrate inside. Centrosome - this is an important detail that allows you to organize the correct movement of the tail.
• Body. There are no important parts for fertilization. However, in the body of the sperm there is a cytoskeleton. It is this part that helps the cage to move forward and achieve its goal.
• Tail. This part does not carry chromosomes. But it is worth saying that without it the male gamete simply will not be able to move forward. The tail is regulated by a centrosome, which is located in the head of the cell. There is one feature. If the male cells do not have tails, fertilization can occur through a test tube.

The correct structure of the sperm is very important for fertilization. That's why doctors pay special attention to this point.

Main goals

What is a sperm, you already know. What is this small cell of the male body for? The main feature of the gamete is that it can exist outside the host's body. In a favorable environment, spermatozoa live up to ten days.

The main task of the male gamete is fertilization. It can occur naturally or artificially. The cells enter the body of the weaker sex and cross the cervical canal. It is worth noting that one cell is not enough. Despite the fact that during the conception the only spermatozoon and egg are merged, a lot of similar cells are needed for the movement of the male gametes.

After overcoming the female genital organs, the sperm enters the ovum. Further, continuous division begins. Zygote moves along the fallopian tubes and enters the uterus. Here the already formed substance is called the fetal egg.

Possible problems

Male spermatozoon does not always have the right structure. Often, representatives of the stronger sex have to face problems. Pathologies are identified after an analysis called spermogram.

So, some cells may have an incorrect structure or disturbed movement. Sometimes there are partial damage to the head or the tail of the sperm. In medicine, there are certain standards that must correspond to male gametes. For violations and pathologies, corrections are made. Treatment allows restoring the health of spermatozoa and improving the reproductive function of men.

Summarizing

Now you know what a sperm is. This cell is the smallest in the body of a man, but it performs very important functions. Also gamete has its own individual characteristics. It is the spermatozoon that allows a man to continue his genus and reproduce the offspring. It is worth noting that the structure and functions of this cell are being studied in the school curriculum. Every person, especially a man, should know about what a sperm is. Check the quality of your reproductive cells. Good luck!