Spermatozoa Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Spermatozoa and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Identify the urine sediment elements shown by the arrow: | View Page |
| Semen is a substance secreted by the male reproductive organs. It is composed of spermatozoa in a semi-viscous fluid. | View Page |
| Semen Semen is a substance produced by the male reproductive organs. It is composed of spermatozoa in a semi-viscous fluid. Structures within the male reproductive tract that are involved in the production of semen include:testes and epididymisprostateseminal vesiclesbulbourethral gland | View Page |
| Composition of Semen Semen is produced as a combination of secretions from the different regions of the male reproductive tract. Each fraction differs in chemical composition and function. The combination of these fractions during ejaculation results in the optimal environment for transporting sperm to the endocervical mucus in the female. Spermatozoa are produced in the testes. They mature in the epididymis. The testes also produce testosterone and inhibin.Fluid from the seminal vesicles accounts for approximately 70% of semen volume. The seminal vesicles are the source of fructose in semen. Fructose is used by the spermatozoa as an energy source.The prostate gland supplies about 20% of the volume of semen. Its fluids include acid phosphatase and proteolytic enzymes that lead to coagulation and subsequent liquefaction of semen. The prostate also contains most of the IgA found in semen.The bulbourethral gland produces mucoproteins that make up about 5% of the volume of semen. | View Page |
| Collection Accurate semen analysis results require appropriate sample collection. Patients must receive detailed directions for proper specimen collection and transport. Directions should be in writing. Specific instructions should include: The period of abstinence prior to collection should be between 2 and 5 days.The entire specimen must be collected because the different portions have varying concentrations of spermatozoa.An appropriate collection container must be used.Each laboratory should designate an appropriate, wide mouth, collection container.Each lot of collection containers should be tested to ensure that it is non-toxic to sperm.Alternative collection containers should be discouraged because their level of toxicity is unknown.Use of condoms for collection should be discouraged particularly when the purpose of the semen analysis is to test for fertility. Some condoms are toxic to sperm. Collection in condoms often results in inaccurate results for semen volume and other parameters. | View Page |