Sperm ‒ Section

**Sperms** are smaller than most body cells; in fact, a sperm cell’s volume is 85,000 times less than that of the female gamete. Around 100 to 300 million sperm are produced daily, whereas women typically ovulate only one oocyte per month. As with many cells, the structure of sperm cells is closely tied to their function. Sperm have three distinct regions: the head, mid-piece and tail. The head contains a compact haploid nucleus with minimal cytoplasm, contributing to the sperm's small size (the head measures only about 5 μm in length). Covering most of the head is the acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with lysosomal enzymes essential for preparing sperm to engage in fertilization. The mid-piece of the sperm is densely packed with mitochondria, which produce ATP to power the flagellum. Extending from the neck and mid-piece through the tail, the flagellum enables sperm motility. The axial filament, or central strand of the flagellum, is formed by one centriole inside the maturing sperm cell during the final stages of spermatogenesis. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, Stephanie Fretham, Male Reproductive System, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/voWXZKel@1.1:Kprak38s@1/Male-Reproductive-System* ## Keywords genital tract male reproductive cell gamete sperm insemination reproduction