Describe the ultrastructure of human sperm with the help of labelled diagram.
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Solution
The mammalian sperm cell can be divided into 2 parts:
head: contains the nucleus with densely coiled chromatin fibers, surrounded anteriorly by a thin, flattened sac called the acrosome, which contains enzymes used for penetrating the female egg. It also contains vacuoles.[1]
tail: also called the flagellum, is the longest part and capable of wave-like motion that propels sperm for swimming and aids in the penetration of the egg. Sperm motility depends on the 4 parts of the tail: connecting piece, midpiece, principal piece, and the end piece.
The neck or connecting piece contains one typical centriole and one atypical centriole such as the proximal centriole-like.
The midpiece has a central filamentous core with many mitochondria spiraled around it, used for ATP production for the journey through the female cervix, uterus and uterine tubes.
The tail or "flagellum" executes the lashing movements that propel the spermatocyte.