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Sperm Cell Anatomy
Anatomy of a sperm cell
Head
- Comprises the cell nucleus covered by the acrosome; the acrosome contains enzymes that facilitate joining of sperm and ovum at fertilization.
Midpiece
- Comprises mitochondria, which provide the energy for sperm motility.
Tail
- Produces flagellar movements ("back and forth" movements) that enable the sperm to "swim" upon ejaculation.
Clinical Correlation:
- Sperm cells must be able to move through the female reproductive tract for conception to occur; if they cannot, a man may be infertile despite normal sperm count.
- Poor motility may stem from stress, excessive heat, drug effects, and dietary inefficiencies.