spermatozoa (sperm) are the male sex cells that carry genetic material. they are so tiny that they can't be seen without a microscope. one ejaculation usually contains between 20 million and 600 million sperm.
sperm have an oval head, a short middle, and a long tail. they move by whipping their tails. a sperm fertilizes an egg (ovum) by breaking through the membrane that surrounds the egg.
sperm develop in the testicles. they are added to semen before ejaculation.
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff clinical review board all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
clinical review board all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.