Sperm

The male sex cell, which is responsible for fertilization of the female ovum. Inside the head of the sperm is genetic material, while the acrosome that caps the head contains enzymes that enable sperm to penetrate the ovum’s outer covering. The tail of the sperm propels it. Sperm are produced within the seminiferous tubules of the testes and mature in the epididymis. Production and development of sperm cells is dependent on testosterone and on gonadotrophin hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Sperm production starts at puberty.

 

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