spermatozoa

A scientist observes spermatozoa under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun (plural; singular: spermatozoon):
   • Male reproductive cell: "spermatozoa" are the mature, motile male gametes (sex cells) in animals, including humans. They are produced in the testes and are responsible for fertilizing the female ovum (egg) during sexual reproduction. Each spermatozoon typically has a head (containing genetic material), a midpiece (with energy-producing mitochondria), and a tail (flagellum) for swimming.

Usage Examples

• (The male reproductive cells were moving actively.)
• (A single male sex cell enters the female egg.)
• (The medical professional measured the quantity of viable male gametes.)

Advanced Usage

• "spermatozoa count": the number of spermatozoa present in a given sample (often measured per milliliter of semen).

  • A low spermatozoa count can reduce fertility. (A small number of male sex cells may hinder reproduction.)

• "motile spermatozoa": spermatozoa that are capable of movement (swimming).

  • Only motile spermatozoa can successfully reach and fertilize the egg. (Only moving male cells can achieve fertilization.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spermatozoon (n, singular): a single male reproductive cell.

  • Each spermatozoon carries half the genetic material needed for a new organism. (One male gamete contains partial DNA.)

• Spermatogenesis (n): the process by which spermatozoa are produced in the male reproductive organs.

  • Spermatogenesis occurs continuously in the testes after puberty. (The production of male sex cells happens regularly.)

• Spermatocyte (n): a cell that undergoes division to form spermatozoa.

  • Primary spermatocytes divide to produce secondary spermatocytes. (Precursor cells split to create male gametes.)

Synonyms

• Male gamete: a general term for a male sex cell.

  • The male gamete fuses with the female gamete during fertilization. (The male sex cell combines with the egg.)

• Sperm cell: a common, informal term for a spermatozoon.

  • The sperm cell must travel through the female reproductive tract. (The male reproductive cell journeys inside the female body.)

Related Idioms

• "Spermatozoa bank" (or "sperm bank"): a facility that stores spermatozoa for future use in artificial insemination.

  • Couples sometimes use a spermatozoa bank when facing fertility issues. (A storage center for male sex cells aids reproduction.)

• "Spermatozoa competition": a biological phenomenon where spermatozoa from different males compete to fertilize an egg.

  • In some species, spermatozoa competition leads to faster swimming cells. (Male cells from multiple mates vie for fertilization.)