Table of Contents
What is the tail on sperm cells called?
flagellum
The flagellum, also called the sperm “tail”, is a slender lash-like appendage that protrudes from the cell body. By beating their tails, sperm cells swim to the female reproductive cell (oocyte) and fertilise it. A bundle of microtubules that span the entire length of the tail is critical for flagellar beating.
What are Spermatocytes?
Spermatocytes are the cells originating from the last spermatogonial division (B spermatogonia) from which spermatids, then, spermatozoa with half the chromosome complement of the original progenitor cell will be generated following the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis.
Why do sperm have a flagellum?
The flagellum of the sperm provides a whip-like movement in order to propel it forwards. The sperm cannot swim backward due to the nature of the flagellar movement and propulsion.
What is the epididymis?
The epididymis is a narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting rear of the testicles to the deferent duct (ductus deferens or vas deferens). The epididymis consists of three parts: head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis is located on superior pole of testis. It stores sperm for maturation.
What is spermatogenesis Byjus?
Spermatogenesis is the process of formation of haploid male gametes or sperms or spermatozoa from male germ cells or spermatogonia. Sperms are formed in the seminiferous tubules of testes, the male reproductive organ. Spermatogenesis is important for maintaining the number of chromosomes in the offsprings.
What is the function of the tail of a sperm?
The midpiece contains the mitochondria which supplies the energy the tail needs to move. The tail moves with whip-like movements back and forth to propel the sperm towards the egg.
What is the function of the spermatozoa?
Spermatozoa are highly specialized haploid cells equipped with a self-powered flagellum to facilitate motility, as well as an acrosome to mediate penetration of the zona pellucida.
What is Nebenkern in human sperm?
Nebenkern is the mitochondrial formation in the sperm. After meiosis, the mitochondria of the spermatid collect on one side of the haploid pronucleus and fuse together into two giant aggregates. These aggregated mitochondria then wrap around one another to produce spherical Nebenkern.