Sædcelle

Sædcelle is the Danish word for sperm cell. A sperm cell, also known as a spermatozoon, is the male reproductive cell in organisms that reproduce sexually. Its primary function is to fertilize a female egg cell, or ovum, to initiate the development of a new individual.

Sperm cells are microscopic and typically consist of a head, a midpiece, and a tail. The head contains the haploid nucleus, which carries the male genetic material, as well as an acrosome cap that helps in penetrating the egg. The midpiece is packed with mitochondria, providing the energy needed for motility. The tail, or flagellum, is a whip-like structure that propels the sperm cell through the female reproductive tract.

In humans and other mammals, sperm cells are produced in the testes through a process called spermatogenesis. They are then stored and matured in the epididymis before being ejaculated during sexual intercourse. The number of sperm cells produced is very large, as many are lost or do not reach the egg. The viability and motility of sperm cells are crucial for successful fertilization.