esperma

Esperma, or semen, is the male reproductive fluid released during ejaculation. It consists of spermatozoa produced in the testes and seminal plasma derived from accessory glands.

Spermatozoa are formed by spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules and mature in the epididymis, gaining motility and fertilizing ability. During ejaculation, sperm travel through the vas deferens and mix with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands to form semen.

Regulation of sperm production involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulates the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. LH drives testosterone production by Leydig cells, while FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support germ cell development. Adequate testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and fertility.

Seminal plasma provides nutrients (such as fructose), buffers to maintain pH, enzymes, and various proteins, as well as immune-modulatory and antimicrobial factors. These components protect sperm and aid in fertilization.

Clinical relevance: semen analysis is a common tool in fertility assessment, measuring volume, sperm concentration, total count, motility, and morphology. Normal values vary, but typical semen volume is about 2–5 mL, with concentrations around 15–150 million sperm per milliliter. Abnormal results can indicate infertility, infections, or blockages. Semen can be stored by cryopreservation for future assisted reproduction.

Note: esperma is the term used in several languages, such as Spanish and Italian, for semen. In English, the term is semen.