Question

Sperm mature and gain mobility in the ____________ before entering the ___________ during ejaculation.

1.ductus deferens; rete testis

2.rete testis; epididymis

3.epididymis; ductus deferens

4.efferent ductules; vas deferens

5.seminiferous tubules; rete testis

Answer 1

Sperm is the male reproductive cell or the gamete, which is manufactured in the semineferous tubules within each testicle. It has a head, body and a tail. The head contains the DNA which combines with the DNA in the egg, resulting in a fertilized ovum.

The sperm which are initially present in the testes are carried to different areas for maturation etc. At the backside of the testes there is a long coiled lining called epididymis which stores the sperms made in testes and also helps to carry it to other areas. In the epididymis, the sperms are stored for 14 days and when ejaculation occurs they are forced out through the tail of epididymis into the deferent duct, which joins with the seminal vesicle and releases the sperm. The immature spermatozoa interacts with the secretions of the epididymis which makes it mature and by the time of ejaculation, the force created during the propelling make mitochondria in the body of the sperm to provide energy to the tail part and thus gains motility and enters the vas deferens. This functional sperm after entering into the female reproductive system becomes fully fertile when combined with egg.

So, the answer is option 3.

Rete testes is a network of small tubules in the testes, which help in movement of sperm or spermatozoa from testes to epididymis.