Question

Discuss the process that sperm take to become mature. Also discuss where all the seminal fluid comes from (note, there are several different components from different structures)

Answer 1

part 1- maturation of sperm

the sperms when produced in the testis are immature.The process of maturation of the sperm begins when it reaches the epididymis. Here changes occur in the proteins of the cell membrane of the sperm. this also gives slight motility to the spermatozoa. (NOTE- motility of a sperm is acquired in the epididymis but hypermotility is acquired in the female reprodutive tract). This spermatozoa with other components enters the female genital tract as ejaculate . It is only in the female genital tract that the sperms attains complete maturity(capacitation ) and the ability to fertilise the ovum .

Capacitation of sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes and can be divided into fast and slow processes. Fast processes include gaining hyermotility by vigourous movments of flagella . slow processes include changes in the proteins acquired by the sperm during its maturaion in the epididymis( eg- removal of cholesterol fromthe membrane to acheive more fluidity).

capacitaion or maturation DOES NOT include further processes like zona reaction and acrosome reaction that are necessary for fertilisation. {acrosome reaction- sperm tip or acrosome contains enzymes which help in hydrolysing the zona pellucida and facilitates the entry of the sperm. zona reaction are the chages in zona pellucida which cause penetration}

part 2-parts of the seminal fluid

1. spermatozoa-produced by testis95 percent of totoal fluid)

2.seminal fluid - produced by sminal vesicles (60-70%) provides nutritio to the sperms via fructose and amino acids

3. prostate fluid- produced by prostate (30%) contains acid phosphatase, citric acid and proteolytic enzymes

4. bulbourethral gland -mucous