Sperm is the male reproductive cells. Sperm have some fascinating characteristics and functions.
Here are some interesting facts about the sperm:-
1. Miniature Swimmers: Sperms are incredibly small with an average length of about 0.002 inch (50 micrometers). Despite their size they are highly specialized for their mission.
2. Speed Demons: Sperm are fast swimmers. They can travel at a speed of up to 1 to 4 millimeters per minute within female reproductive tract.
3. Large Number: During ejaculation of male millions of sperm are released. However, only one sperm will typically fertilize the female egg in Vagina.
4. Lifespan: Sperm have a relatively short lifespan outside the body. Once sperm ejaculated they can remain viable for about 3 to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract.
5. Production Rate: Male body continually produces sperm. On average a healthy male generate around 1,500 sperm per second, totaling over 100 million sperm per day.
6. Temperature-Sensitive: Sperm production is temperature sensitive. This is why the testes are located outside the body in the scrotum to maintain a slightly lower temperature.
7. DNA Delivery: Sperm carry the father's genetic information in form of DNA. which combines with mother's DNA in the egg during fertilization.
8. Acrosome Cap: Head of a sperm cell is covered by an acrosome cap, which contains enzyme to help sperm penetrate the egg's protective layer.
9. Journey to Egg: The journey of a sperm from the vagina to fallopian tube, where fertilization typically occurs, can take several hours to days.
10. Sperm Competition: In some species including human, sperm from multiple males may compete to fertilize an egg. This is believed to be a possible reason for high number of sperm produced during ejaculation.
11. Sperm Health: Lifestyle factor such as diet, exercise and exposure to toxin can affect sperm quality and fertility.
12. Sperm Bank: Sperm can be cryopreserved (frozen) and stored in sperm bank for future use in fertility treatments or for those wishing to preserve their sperm before medical treatment that may affect fertility.
These Interesting facts shed light on the remarkable biology and role of sperm in the process of human reproduction.
