Histology of the Male Reproductive System 3 Flashcards

Describe the structure of a spermatozoon at the electron microscopic level.

1
Q

Describe the structure of a spermatazoon.

A
  • Three main parts:
    • Head
      • condensed, flattened nucleus capped by the acrosome with enzymes required for penetration of the zona pellucida that surrounds the ovum
      • specialized lysosome
    • Neck
      • pair of centrioles
      • the beginning of major parts of the taile, the axoneme
      • outer dense fibers
      • centrioles initiate development of motor component of flagellum
      • axoneme has nine outer microtubule doubles surrounding a central pair
    • Tail
      • middle piece - characterized by a wrapping of mitochondria peripheral to the outer dense fibers and the axoneme
      • principal piece - with the axoneme, outer dense fibers, and outer fibrous sheath
      • end piece - lost all accessory components except for axoneme
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