sædceller

Sædceller, also known as sperm cells or spermatozoa, are the male reproductive cells in humans and many other animals. Their primary function is to fertilize a female egg cell (ovum) to initiate the process of reproduction. Sædceller are microscopic and consist of a head, a midpiece, and a tail. The head contains the genetic material, DNA, enclosed within an acrosome, a cap-like structure that helps the sperm penetrate the egg. The midpiece is packed with mitochondria, which provide the energy needed for the tail's movement. The tail, a flagellum, propels the sædcelle through the female reproductive tract towards the egg.

Sædceller are produced in the testes through a process called spermatogenesis. This complex process begins at puberty and continues throughout a man's life, although the quality and quantity of sædceller may decline with age. Millions of sædceller are released during ejaculation as part of semen, a fluid that also contains nutrients and other substances to support sperm viability and motility. The journey of a sædcelle to fertilize an egg is challenging, with only a small fraction successfully reaching their destination. If fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote begins to divide and develop into an embryo.