Sædcellen

Sædcellen, also known as a spermatozoon, is the male gamete or reproductive cell in many sexually reproducing organisms, including humans. Its primary function is to fertilize the female ovum (egg cell) to form a zygote, initiating the development of a new individual. The structure of a sædcelle is highly specialized for its role. It typically consists of a head, a midpiece, and a tail.

The head contains the nucleus, which carries the haploid set of chromosomes, half of the genetic material required for the offspring. Located at the tip of the head is the acrosome, a cap-like structure containing enzymes that help the sædcelle penetrate the protective layers of the ovum. The midpiece is packed with mitochondria, which provide the energy in the form of ATP needed for the movement of the tail. The tail, or flagellum, is a whip-like appendage that propels the sædcelle through the female reproductive tract towards the ovum.

Sædceller are produced in the testes through a process called spermatogenesis. Billions of sædceller are produced daily in mature males. During ejaculation, sædceller are released as part of semen, a fluid that also contains secretions from accessory glands, providing nourishment and facilitating transport. The survival and motility of sædceller are influenced by various factors, including temperature and the chemical environment of the female reproductive tract.