Older woman holding potted flowers in greenhouse garden
Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Spermatozoa (sperm)

A group of sperm, with detail of a single sperm.

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: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.