Sperm

The male reproductive system produces sperm that are manufactured in the seminiferous tubules within each testicle. The head of the sperm contains the DNA that, when combined with the egg's DNA, will create a new individual. The tip of the sperm head is called the acrosome, which enables the sperm to penetrate the egg. The midpiece contains the mitochondria that supply the energy the tail needs to move. The tail moves with whip-like movements back and forth to propel the sperm towards the egg. Sperm have to reach the uterus and the fallopian tube in order to fertilize a woman's egg.

Review Date: 2/9/2018

Reviewed By: Sovrin M. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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