journey of sperm cell

How sperm meets egg: a journey from production to fertilization

Many wonder what the sperm ´s journey is like from ejaculation to fertilization. The ultimate goal of a sperm is to fertilize the egg cell.

However, the journey of the sperm to get to the egg is not an easy one. To reach the egg cell, the sperm has to go through a long and difficult journey that can take from thirty minutes to several hours .

For this reason, fertilization needs a large number of motile spermatozoa for at least one of them to be able to overcome all barriers. Firstly for the sperm to get to the egg, and then to fertilize the egg.

Provided below is an index with the 7 points we are going to expand on in this article.

• 1. How the sperm meets the egg
• 2. Route from the testicle to the urethra
• 2.1. Changes in the sperm
• 3. The journey through the female reproductive system
• 3.1. What barriers do spermatozoa have to cross?
• 3.2. The sperm´s arrival at the Fallopian tubes.
• 3.3. Final stage of the spermatozoon: acrosome reaction
• 4. FAQs from users
• 4.1. How long does it take from sperm production to ejaculation?
• 4.2. How can ovulation be calculated so that the sperm and egg meet?
• 4.3. How long can a sperm live in the female reproductive tract?
• 4.4. How many sperm make it to the egg?
• 4.5. How long does it take sperm to reach the egg?
• 4.6. After sperm meets egg, how long until implantation?
• 4.7. Where do the sperm cells pass through on their way to the egg?
• 4.8. Where does the sperm need to get to, to be able to fertilize the egg?
• 5. Recommended reading
• 6. References
• 7. Authors and contributors

How the sperm meets the egg

Colloquially,the path to fertilization we understand as a race in which only the best sperm will be able to reach the finish line and win the prize. Effectively, it is something like this: many spermatozoa start the race, but only one will fertilize the egg.

The route of the sperm to the egg can be divided into two major stages:

• Male reproductive system: the journey of sperm in the male body is from the testicles to the outside world.
• Female reproductive system: from the vagina, where semen is deposited, to the Fallopian tubes, where the egg is found.

It should not be forgotten that during these two phases of the journey the sperm meet certain obstacles. To follow, we discuss what they are.

Route from the testicle to the urethra

It takes about 90 days for spermatozoa to develop and acquire the necessary maturation before they can be expelled in an ejaculation.The birth of spermatozoa takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. They subsequently pass to the epididymis.

The seminiferous tubules are the internal structures of the testicle where sperm are made. The epididymis is a long structure that connects the testicle and the vas deferens.

At the moment of intercourse, a large quantity of sperm (about 250 million) leave the epididymis and pass through the vas deferens and the urethra. Along the way, the sperm are bathed in fluids released from the seminal vesicles and the prostate. In this way, the semen, the mix of sperm and fluids, is formed.

The main function of these seminal fluids is to make is possible for the sperm to enter into the vagina. Sperm will shoot out of the urethra through the penis until they enter the female reproductive tract , specifically the vagina.

Changes in the sperm

During this journey from the testicle to the outside, the sperm acquire the correct shape and structure to allow fertilization of the egg. The changes that occur at this final stage of sperm maturation are:

• DNA compaction to allow the head (where the DNA is stored) to be as small as possible and therefore move better. This also helps it to pass through the zona pellucida (egg shell).
• The tail acquires the perfect design so the sperm have great speed and resistance.
• The middle piece has a large number of mitochondria for high energy production. This gives the spermatozoon great efficiency in energy usage.

If you wish to continue reading information about what the spermatozoon cell is like, we suggest you visit this article: How are spermatazoa formed

The journey through the female reproductive system

In the process of ejaculation, sperm cells leave the man and enter the vagina. This is where the sperm cells begin the second part of their journey to fertilization.

During this second part of the journey the sperm again encounter an large number of obstacles. These obstacles and barriers can hinder the sperms arrival at the Fallopian tubes, where the egg is waiting.

There is a distance of between 15 and 18 cm and time is of the essence. Sperm cannot afford to delay, since the egg, once it has left the ovary (i.e., after ovulation ), has a half-life of about 24 hours. The survival time of the egg is short compared to that of the sperm. Sperm can live between 2 and 5 days in the female reproductive tract.

After ejaculation, the race of the sperm cells begins. It is a race not only of speed but also of endurance . Defective sperm and/or those with poor motility will fall by the wayside.

What barriers do spermatozoa have to cross?

Some obstacles, or barriers, encountered by sperm are as follows:

However, it is not all difficulties in the journey of the sperm. The egg tries to pave the way for the sperm by releasing molecules and sending signals. The fallopian tubes and uterus exert a suction force through rhythmic contractions and the cervical mucus becomes less dense allowing the sperm to swim better.

For its part, the seminal fluid that accompanies the sperm neutralizes the pH and provides sugars to the sperm. This fluid also serves as a protective shield against the woman´s white blood cells.

The sperm´s arrival at the Fallopian tubes.

Once the vaginal, cervical and uterine barriers have been overcome, we encounter the narrowest part of the course: the uterotubal junction . Only a few thousand of the average 250 million spermatozoa in freshly ejaculated semen reach this point.

Along the way, the strongest spermatozoa, i.e. those that have been able to overcome the female obstacles, acquire an extraordinary ability: the ability to fertilize . This is known as sperm hyperactivation . From this moment on, its tail moves with much more force and energy, allowing a vigorous movement that helps it arrive at the egg.

Once they reach the fallopian tubes, many sperm remain attached to the tube walls, exhausted and unable to continue their journey.

At this point, few sperm are left in the race, as the vast majority have been lost along the way. Of the few dozen sperm that remain before the egg's watchful eye, only one will make it through the thick doorway to the egg: the zona pellucida.

The chosen sperm, the strongest and most capable one, upon contact with the zona pellucida, initiates the so-called acrosome reaction .

Final stage of the spermatozoon: acrosome reaction

As mentioned above, when the most able sperm has reached the egg, the acrosome reaction takes place. This is the release of the contents of the acrosome, which is composed of a series of enzymes. The purpose of this enzymatic release is to weaken the zona pellucida of the ovum and facilitate penetration.

The acrosome is a structure located in the head of the sperm. It serves as a reservoir for enzymes and other substances that the sperm needs to pass through the zona pellucida.

This reaction "wakes up" the egg, which releases cortical granules , organelles that prevent any other sperm from penetrating. It is as if the ovum plants a flag indicating to the rest of the spermatozoa around it that it has already been conquered by the winning spermatozoa and, therefore, that the doors of its kingdom are closed.

Once the sperm penetrates the oocyte, their two nuclei fuse. This is what we know as fertilization . If you want to know the details about how the sperm enters the egg and how the new being is formed, you can read this article: The steps of fertilization in humans.

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FAQs from users

How long does it take from sperm production to ejaculation.

Spermatogenesis is the process whereby male reproductive cells are formed, from the immature ones, spermatogonia, until the mature ones, spermatozoa. This complicated process occurs within the seminiferous tubule in the testis and takes about 64-72 days.

Once spermatozoa (sperm cells) have been produced, they leave the testis and travel to the epididymis, where they will acquire the necessary motility in a process that lasts 10 days approximately. Spermatozoa will be stored in the epididymis until they are expelled with ejaculation. When ejaculation starts, sperm travel through the vas deferends and mixes with the seminal fluid that originates in the secretory glands, creating what we all know as semen . Finally, it is expelled through the urethra.

How can ovulation be calculated so that the sperm and egg meet?

It can be calculated by measuring the daily basal temperature and by performing a urine LH test.

How long can a sperm live in the female reproductive tract?

Once ejaculation occurs and the sperm are released into the vagina, they have a half-life of 2 to 5 days. The stronger ones will survive longer. The weaker ones will die on the way. After fertilization, the dead spermatozoa and the live ones that have remained unable to fertilize the egg will be eliminated by phagocytosis (the body's own system of neutralization and elimination of substances).

How many sperm make it to the egg?

To answer this question, we will split the answer into various figures, each one corresponding to a stage in the journey:

• There are approximately 200-250 million sperm in each ejaculation, but only about 2 million make it to the cervix.
• Once there, out of the 2 million sperm entering the cervix, only about 1 million are able to make it to the uterus.
• Out of the 1 million that enter the uterus, only 10,000 are able to travel to the top of this organ.
• Out of the 10,000 that survive at this point, only half of them travel in the right direction, that is, toward the egg cell.
• Out of the approximately 5,000 sperm that enter the utero-tubal junction, about 1,000 get inside the Fallopian tube.
• Finally, out of the 1,000 that enter the tube, it is estimated that only 200 make it to the egg.

However, in the end, only 1 sperm out of the 200 that reach the egg is able to penetrate and fertilize it.

How long does it take sperm to reach the egg?

There is no set time, since the spermatozoa with the best quality, that is, with great ability to overcome obstacles and great strength of movement, will be able to reach the egg in just half an hour. However, there will be others that will need about two days to cross the entire female reproductive tract.

After sperm meets egg, how long until implantation?

Implantation occurs approximately within 3-7 days after fertilization, as the fertilized egg cell has to travel from the point where it was fertilized to the point where it implants. It depends on how high the point where they meet in the Fallopian tube is. For instance, if they meet high in the tube, it will take about 7 days.

Related stories: What Are the First Signs & Symptoms of Embryo Implantation?

Where do the sperm cells pass through on their way to the egg?

As mentioned above, they must first pass through the male reproductive tract and then, after ejaculation, through the female reproductive tract. In the first part of the journey, they leave the testicle and pass through the epididymis, the vas deferens and the urethra. During this part, they are impregnated with secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicle.

In the second part of the course, the spermatozoa pass from the vagina, where they are deposited, to the cervix. Subsequently, they pass through the uterus and reach the fallopian tubes, where the egg is found or where they wait for it to arrive, in case ovulation has not yet occurred.

Where does the sperm need to get to, to be able to fertilize the egg?

The sperm has to reach the fallopian tubes, where the egg is waiting. Once there, it will be able to fuse with it and give rise to the embryo. Subsequently, the embryo will leave the fallopian tubes, reach the uterus and implant in the endometrium of the uterine cavity. This is the beginning of pregnancy.

Recommended reading

The final goal of this whole journey of the sperm is to meet the egg, fuse with it and allow the birth of a new cell. This cell, after about nine months of successive divisions and processes of differentiation and specialization, will give rise to the future baby.

If you want to know more information about what happens after fertilization, we recommend reading this article: Pregnancy stages month by month

If you are interested in knowing more about the hormones responsible for sperm formation, you can visit this link: Male hormone check .

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Austin CR. Observations on the penetration of the sperm in the mammalian egg. Aust J Sci Res B. 1951;4(4):581–596.

Bennett M. Shapiro. The existential decision of a sperm, Cell 49, no. 3 (May 1987): 293-94, esp. 293.

Chang MC. Fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa deposited into the fallopian tubes. Nature. 1951;168(4277):697–698 ( View )

Choza J. (1991): Antropología de la Sexualidad. Ed. Rialp. Madrid, 1.ª Edición ( View )

J Clin Invest. (2010). Fertilization: a sperm’s journey to and interaction with the oocyte. Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, United Kingdom. 120(4) 984–994 ( View )

Lennart Nilsson, A portrait of the sperm. In: The functional anatomy of the spermatozoan, ed. Bjorn A. Afzelius (New York: Pergamon, 1975), 79-82.

Martin E. The egg and the sperm: how science has constructed a romance-based on stereotypical male-female roles. “Signs”. Vol. 16. No. 3 (Spring, 1991), pp. 485-501. Published by: The University of Chicago Press ( View )

Stein KK, Primakoff P, Myles D. Sperm-egg fusion: events at the plasma membrane. J Cell Sci. 2004; 117(Pt 26):6269–6274 ( View )

Paul M. Wassarman, The biology and chemistry of fertilization, Science 235, No. 4788 (January 30, 1987): 553-60, esp. 554 ( View )

Paul M. Wassarman, Fertilization in mammals, Scientific American 259, no. 6 (December 1988): 78-84, esp. 78, 84

FAQs from users: 'How long does it take from sperm production to ejaculation?' , 'How can ovulation be calculated so that the sperm and egg meet?' , 'How long can a sperm live in the female reproductive tract?' , 'How many sperm make it to the egg?' , 'How long does it take sperm to reach the egg?' , 'After sperm meets egg, how long until implantation?' , 'How does it feel when sperm meets the egg?' , 'How long after IUI does sperm meet egg?' , 'Can sperm meet egg before ovulation?' , 'Where do the sperm cells pass through on their way to the egg?' , 'Where does the sperm go when you have a vasectomy?' , 'Where does the sperm need to get to, to be able to fertilize the egg?' , 'When pregnant, where does sperm go?' , 'When does sperm die outside the body?' , 'When does sperm leave the female body?' and 'How many sperm fertilize an egg for identical twins?' .

Authors and contributors

Find the latest news on assisted reproduction in our channels.

And when do men expel the so-called pre-ejaculatory fluid? I want to know it because then my boyfriend and I will be able to use the pull-out method more accurately. Thnxs!

Hello Katie1,

Firstly, the pull-out method, coitus interruptus , or withdrawal method is not a safe birth control method because it does not prevent you from the transmission of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV infection (AIDs). Besides, it is actually an extremely unreliable method.

Apart from that, there are several theories about why pre-ejaculatory fluid exists, none of them proved. While some say the only function of this fluid is providing some lubrication for intercourse, others believe they protect the sperm by acting as a sort of pre-clearing of the urethra, making the environment more conductive for sperm to survive the journey and lowering the acidity. On the other hand, the function of sperm is reproduction.

I hope I have clarified your concerns,

My husband has had a vasectomy and we want to try for a baby. Is there any way we can do this without surgery?

It is possible for a man to become a father after again after a vasectomy. However, this is not possible without some kind of surgical treatment. There are different options available and you can find lots more information in our article: Pregnancy after vasectomy

I hope this helps and good luck.

Interesting article, thanks. It is very interesting that so many sperm are needed to fertilize just one egg and reading this makes me realize why!

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Sperm release pathway

Sperm are produced and released by the male reproductive organs.

The testes are where sperm are produced. The testes are linked to the rest of the male reproductive organs by the vas deferens, which extends over the base of the pelvic bone or ilium, and wraps around to the ampulla, seminal vesicle, and prostate. The urethra then runs from the bladder through the penis.

Sperm production in the testes takes place in coiled structures called seminiferous tubules.

Along the top of each testicle is the epididymis. This is a cordlike structure where the sperm mature and are stored.

The release process starts when the penis fills with blood and becomes erect. Continuing to stimulate the penis will cause an ejaculation.

Mature sperm begin their journey by travelling from the epididymis to the vas deferens, which propels sperm forward with smooth muscle contractions.

The sperm arrive first at the ampulla just above the prostate gland. Here, secretions from the seminal vesicle located next to the ampulla are added.

Next, the seminal fluid is propelled forward through the ejaculatory ducts toward the urethra. As it passes the prostate gland, a milky fluid is added to make semen.

Finally, the semen is ejaculated from the penis through the urethra.

Review Date 10/15/2023

Updated by: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

• Male Infertility

All about sperm

Pathway of Sperm in Order: The Journey from Testes to Urethral Opening

Short answer pathway of sperm in order:

Understanding the pathway of sperm in order: a comprehensive guide, the step-by-step process of the pathway of sperm in order, frequently asked questions: pathway of sperm in order, exploring male reproductive anatomy: the pathway of sperm in order, top factors that can affect the pathway of sperm in order, the importance of understanding the pathway of sperm in order for fertility planning.

Table of Contents

The pathway of sperm in the male reproductive system is testes, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra. During ejaculation, semen passes through the urethra in the penis and exits the body via the opening known as the urinary meatus.

Welcome to a comprehensive guide that will take you on a journey through the intricate pathway that a sperm takes in reaching its final destination – the egg. Understanding the pathway of sperm in order is important for couples who are trying to conceive as well as individuals who are interested in knowing more about their reproductive system.

First, let’s take a quick look at what sperms are. Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development, which begins with spermatogonia (immature germ cells) and ends with fully developed spermatozoa (mature male gametes). A mature human sperm consists of three parts – the head, midpiece and tail, each of which serves a specific function.

Now let’s delve into understanding the pathway of sperm in order:

1. Testis: The testes or testicles are responsible for producing and storing sperms. Inside each testis are several tightly coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules where every 74 days new sperms are produced.

2. Epididymis: After leaving the seminiferous tubules, immature sperms then travel through a narrow tube called epididymis where they complete their maturation process before becoming capable of fertilising an egg.

3. Vas Deferens: Once matured, the semen containing sperms moves from epididymis along vas deferens – this muscular duct runs from each epididymis to merge with nearby seminal vesicles near urinary bladder opening- forming ejaculatory ducts that pushes out semen during ejaculation.

4. Seminal Vesicles: These glands produce and secrete fluids rich in sugar providing energy source for swimming sperm .

5. Prostate gland: This gland produces an alkaline fluid rich in some chemicals such as phosphatase –signifies active prostate tissue– aiding semen coagulation mechanism.

6. Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s glands): These small glands located on each side of the urethra which produce preejaculate fluid release providing , lubrication and protection from acidic vaginal environment.

7. Urethra: The final stop for the sperm is urethra, which leads directly to the opening at the tip of penis. During ejaculation, semen is propelled through this tube and expelled out of body.

In conclusion, understanding the pathway of sperm in order can help you understand your reproductive system better and may provide insight into why conception may not be happening as smoothly as anticipated. Many things can influence semen quality and likelihood to fertilise an egg such poor lifestyle choices (including smoking or alcohol intake) temperature changes due to tight clothing and undiagnosed medical conditions . If you are struggling with infertility issues reaching out for specialist advice should be prioritised so that they can guide you through your options or diagnose underlying causes accordingly.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the fascinating world of reproductive biology and the ever important process of sperm transport. While most people may not think about this on a regular basis, understanding how sperm gets from point A to point B is crucial when it comes to human reproduction. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed as I explain the step-by-step process of the pathway of sperm in order.

Step 1: Production It all starts in the male testes where millions upon millions of sperms are produced each day. These small but mighty cells have one job- fertilizing an egg- and they are created with special structures that help them achieve this goal.

Step 2: Maturation After production, the sperm cells begin their journey through various ducts within the male reproductive system where they mature and gain mobility. It takes about 10-14 days for the average sperm to fully mature into a swimming machine.

Step 3: Storage Once fully matured, stored within the epididymis where they wait until ejaculation occurs. At this point, there can be up to several hundred million ready-to-go sperms waiting for their big moment.

Step 4: Ejaculation As we all know from health class growing up (and probably some awkward personal experiences), ejaculation occurs when seminal fluid containing semen is expelled from male genitals during orgasm.

Step 5: Transport With ejaculation complete, our brave little sperm cells now face their biggest obstacle yet – travel through female anatomy in order to reach an awaiting egg that is hopefully implanted firmly within her uterus. The first obstacle they must overcome? The cervix – This muscular component acts like a gatekeeper between vagina and uterus Some never make it past this point due where they can become stuck or fail at getting through tiny os opening

Step 6: Uterus Bound! Assuming those little swimmers made it through unfazed by the cervix they are now in hopes of making it to an awaiting egg. The next obstacle? Entering and navigating the uterus. At this point, sperm has quite a journey ahead of them and that journey is full of obstacles like avoiding white blood cells, building up of mucus lining, the twists and turns needed to navigate fallopian tubes, vaginal acidity levels, distance yet to be covered but as long they happen to make it into the ampulla (widest part of fallopian tube) they have a shot.

Step 7: Fertilization Finally, if our brave little swimmers have made it all the way without giving up or getting lost along just waiting on their prize – an egg ready just for them! It’s only one cell versus hundreds doesn’t everything about survival until reality strikes at implantation where genetic material shares time among embryo cells is key!

In conclusion…The process by which sperm travels from point A to B is not as simple as we may think. Each stage requires precision mobility and perseverance-even before travelling through female anatomy! But

When it comes to the topic of human reproduction, one of the most commonly asked questions is about the pathway of sperm in order. It’s not surprising, given how essential sperm is in fertilizing an egg and creating new life. In this blog, we will explore the intricacies of the male reproductive system and the steps involved in the journey of sperm from beginning to end.

What is Sperm?

Before diving into the pathway of sperm in order, let’s first discuss what exactly sperm is. Sperm is a tiny, tadpole-shaped cell that is created within the testes (male reproductive organs). It contains genetic information necessary for fertilizing an egg and producing offspring. Millions of sperm are released during ejaculation, but only one will successfully penetrate an egg to create a new life.

The Journey Begins: Testes

The journey of sperm actually begins within the testes (also known as testicles) – two small oval-shaped glands located within a sac called scrotum outside your body. Inside these glands are tiny tubes called seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis takes place i.e., creation of sperms occur at 35 °C temperature since it’s conducive for optimal production.

Epididymis: The Maturing Chamber

After being produced by the seminiferous tubules inside your testes, newly-formed sperms travel through a long tube called epididymis attached to each testicle. Epididymis function as maturing chambers where they gain mobility through plasma proteins which provides energy required for movement.

Vas Deferens: The Transportation Channel

As soon as matured sperms leave epididymal ducts they move on to vas deferens- another long tube that’s responsible for transporting them out from testes into pelvic region (place between hip bone and pubic bone), then behind urinary bladder eventually opening up into urethra – through ejaculatory ducts.

The Ejaculatory Duct and Urethra: The Final Stretch

Once the sperm reaches the ejaculatory duct, it meets other fluids producing semen. These fluids help propel them forward as they pass through urethra, finally exiting the male body during ejaculation .

And that, my friends, is how sperm makes its way from start to finish! While the journey may seem complex, it is an incredible feat of biology and necessary for human reproduction. Keep in mind that there are numerous factors which can impact the quality of sperm like- age, underlying health condition & lifestyle habits like smoking/drinking and unhealthy food choices so it’s imperative to maintain healthy habits to ensure optimal fertility.

In conclusion, I hope this blog has been able to shed some light on the pathway of sperm in order and explain how crucial this process is for creating new life. If you have any further questions about male fertility or reproductive health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice!

As the world population increases, discussions around reproductive health and anatomy remain relevant for individuals of all ages. With a specific focus on male reproductive anatomy, it is important to understand the pathway of sperm and its journey towards fertilization.

The process begins with the testes, which are responsible for producing sperm. As a mature sperm cell leaves the testis, it will travel through a coiled tube called the epididymis. The primary function of the epididymis is to provide an environment conducive for spermatogenesis by facilitating maturation and storage of sperm cells.

Next, the vas deferens comes into play as it transports matured sperm from the epididymis to the urethra responsible for ejaculation. Along this journey to the urethra, additional fluids are added including seminal vesicle fluid containing sugar fructose, an energy source for sperm cells that helps it move forward at a rapid pace, and prostate gland secretion containing prostate-specific antigen enzymes (PSA), which functions similarly to fructose in providing an energy source for moving forward.

Ultimately these fluids mix together before reaching exit via ejaculations from penis through urethra tract during sexual intercourse or release during ejaculation. To take things one step further when inside female reproductive system muscles within wall muscularly pull towards cervix helping overcome few hurdles along way- swim strenuous currents as well competing with other active sperms while navigating nearby egg ovules commonly residing close proximity.

It’s worth noting that in case medical issues arise surrounding male reproductive anatomy there may be tests such semen analysis available – meant to assess health of ejaculated fluid including quantitative & qualitative characteristics measure; coloration and consistency mapping based on semen volume collected from patient’s lab facilities before examination.

In conclusion — intact male reproductive organs work together so meticulously like a well-oiled machine moving potent sexual liquids along path necessary to ultimately achieve conception either through sexual activity or artificial insemination methods such as vitro fertilization. Understanding the pathway can help individuals of all backgrounds remain informed and aware of their reproductive health.

The pathway that sperm takes during its journey to fertilize an egg is a complex and finely-tuned process. There are numerous factors that can impact the viability and success of this process, some of which are more obvious than others. In order to better understand how these factors work together, we’ve compiled a list of the top issues that can affect the pathway of sperm in order.

1. Age: A man’s age can have a significant impact on his fertility, as well as the health of his sperm. Studies have shown that men over 35 may experience decreased sperm quality and quantity, which could make it more difficult for them to conceive or lead to genetic abnormalities in their offspring.

2. Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle factors such as drug use, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise can all impact sperm quality and motility. This is because these behaviors affect the hormonal balance in a man’s body and can cause damage to his reproductive system.

3. Environment: Environmental hazards like exposure to toxins or radiation can also interfere with proper sperm development and function. Men who work in high-risk professions or live in polluted areas may be more vulnerable to these negative effects.

4. Medications: Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressants or anti-inflammatories may inhibit healthy sperm production or disrupt hormone levels needed for proper fertility.

5. Genetics: Some men may inherit genetic defects that interfere with normal sperm development or function leading to infertility issues down the line.

6. Overall Health: Chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease can impair fertility by decreasing blood flow to vital organs like testes which compromises their ability to produce healthy sperm cells

7. Stress Levels: Chronic stress has been found to negatively affect male reproductive health by disrupting hormone levels essential for proper fertility as well as causing oxidative damage at cellular level resulting in reduced motility rate among sperms.

In conclusion, the pathway of sperm is impacted by numerous biological and environmental factors which together can impact the success of reproduction. While men cannot control all of these factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful habits can help optimize sperm function and health. By prioritizing their overall wellbeing, men can improve their chances of successfully fertilizing an egg and starting a family with ease.

Fertility planning is a complex and often misunderstood subject. It’s not just about timing intercourse during ovulation, there’s a whole pathway that sperm need to take in order to successfully fertilize an egg. Understanding this pathway is crucial for couples hoping to conceive.

Sperm are created in the testes and are stored in the epididymis until ejaculation. From there, they travel through the vas deferens and into the ejaculatory ducts before finally leaving the body through the urethra. This journey takes about 64 days from start to finish.

But that’s not all. Once outside of the male body, sperm need to navigate their way up through the female reproductive system to reach an egg. They first swim towards the cervix, which is located at the entrance of the uterus. The cervix acts as a barrier that filters out abnormal or weak sperm while allowing healthy ones to pass through.

If lucky enough to get past this checkpoint, sperm then swim through the uterus and into one of two fallopian tubes where they await ovulation. When ovulation occurs, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down its corresponding fallopian tube towards the uterus.

This is where things get even trickier because there’s only a small window of time when conception can occur – typically within 24 hours after ovulation has taken place. Sperm have already been preparing for this eventuality by undergoing changes in their acrosome – a specialized structure on their head that contains enzymes needed to penetrate an egg.

The strongest, healthiest sperm will race towards the egg with great speed and agility. When one makes contact with its outer membrane (called zona pellucida), it releases these enzymes which allow it to burrow inside and fuse with it. And voila! A new life begins.

So why does understanding all of this matter? Well, for starters it dispels some common myths about fertility – like how standing on your head after intercourse can improve your chances of conception (spoiler alert: it doesn’t). It also highlights the importance of a healthy male partner with high-quality sperm that can withstand this journey and compete with the millions of others vying for the same prize.

Knowing the pathway that sperm must take can also help couples who have been struggling to get pregnant. If there are any issues in this journey, such as blockages or abnormalities, they can be addressed by medical professionals to increase their chances of success. And on a more basic level, simply understanding the complexity of what needs to happen for conception to occur may relieve some of the pressure and anxiety many couples feel during this time.

In conclusion, fertility planning is not just about timing intercourse but rather understanding all that needs to happen from start to finish for a successful pregnancy. The pathway of sperm is crucial knowledge in this process and can ultimately lead to greater success for couples hoping to conceive. So let’s dive deep into the world of sperm and celebrate all that makes life possible!

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How does the human body work? - Class 12

Course: how does the human body work - class 12   >   unit 1.

• Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis review

• Structure and properties of sperm
• Basics of egg development
• Oogenesis and follicular development review
• the steps involved in spermatogenesis, and
• the hormones that regulate it.

Spermatogenesis at a glance

Hormonal regulation.

• The onset of puberty triggers the release of high amounts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.
• GnRH then causes the anterior pituitary to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
• LH acts on Leydig cells to make and secrete androgens like testosterone. This stimulates spermatogenesis.
• FSH acts on Sertoli cells, also stimulating spermatogenesis, and induces secretion of nourishing factors for sperm cells.

Role of accessory ducts and glands

• Sperm cells released from the testes are transported along the epididymis and vas deferens.
• The seminal vesicles and prostate glands secrete substances that nourish sperms cells, and contribute to their maturation and motility.
• Sperm cells, along with seminal plasma, make up semen.
• (Choice A)   GnRH will not be released A GnRH will not be released
• (Choice B)   Leydig cells will not synthesize androgens B Leydig cells will not synthesize androgens
• (Choice C)   FSH will not be released C FSH will not be released

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A Journey of Sperm

Sperm cells are produced from both testis of male. From germ cell and develop to become fully mature. This process takes around 70-80 days to complete.

After ejaculation, millions of sperm cells are moving to female’s vagina. A lot of sperm cells will be diving through vaginal mucus then aiming to cervix and uterine cavity. In this step, plenty of sperms die during approaching to the target.

Meet the egg

Once sperms (that still survive) reach the fallopian tubes, they will meet 1 fully matured egg which has passed the ovulation then moved to wait for sperm at the fallopian tubes. Each sperm will be approaching to this egg consequently.

Fertilization

Although the egg is surrounded by a lot of sperms, there will be only 1 strongest sperm can penetrate into the egg. After that sperm will throw off its tail and release 23 pairs of chromosomes to match with egg’s chromosomes. Combining to be 1 cell. The egg which has been fertilized already will transform itself in order to reject the approaching of any others sperm cells.

Implant and develop to be the fetus

After fertilization, the cell will be dividing very quickly. Then transfer from fallopian tubes to the uterine cavity in order to implant and grow up to be the fetus later on.

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Reference: Prime Fertility Center Co., Ltd. https://www.primefertilitycenter.com/en/a-journey-of-sperm/

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• 16 January, 2019
• Men’s Fertility , Women’s Fertility

Emil Andersen, PhD

Table of contents, understanding the sperms' journey to the egg, what is the goal of a sperm cell.

The goal of the sperms’ journey to the egg is to fertilize it. To do so, the sperm cell must pass through a long and challenging path. This is one of the reasons why the total number of motile sperm cells is very important, and a key parameter for a man’s potential to reach pregnancy with his partner.

The sperms’ journey to the egg begins with millions of sperm cells that are released into the female reproductive tract during intercourse. The sperm cells gain their full ability to swim when they are ejaculated into the reproductive tract [1] , [2] .

Upon ejaculation, the sperm cells are enclosed in a fluid called seminal plasma or semen, which is a mix of fluids from the testes, seminal vesicles, prostate, and the bulbourethral glands. The fluid contains elements which protect the sperm cells during their journey towards the egg. The semen thickens and helps the sperm cells stay inside the woman – as close as possible to the cervix, which is the “gate” to the egg. Liquid extends from the cervix, allowing the sperm cells from the semen to swim into the cervix. Only the strongest sperm cells will make it this far. Once through the cervix, the sperm cells swim across the uterus and into the fallopian tubes as illustrated in figure 1.

Only the strongest make it this far

Of the millions of sperm cells deposited during intercourse, only very few have the potential to reach the fallopian tubes. Once inside the tubes, the sperm cells follow signals (a process called chemotaxis) from the supportive cells (called the cumulus cells) of the egg  [3] . On the way, the sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and functional changes. These prepare the sperm cells for fertilization.

Eventually, the sperm cells meet a barrier of cumulus cells surrounding the egg. To pass through this barrier, the sperm cells must use their very special ‘stroke’, known as hyperactivation . The sperm cell then has to pass another barrier called the ‘zona pellucida’, an additional layer of the egg. To pass this barrier the sperm cells now must undergo a process called the acrosome reaction . That’s where a deposit at the top of the sperm cell releases enzymes. These enzymes will break down the zona pellucida barrier, allowing the sperm to penetrate the egg [4] , [5] . See figure 2.

When the sperm cell’s head is inside the egg, the tail of the sperm detaches. At that moment, the zona pellucida becomes impermeable to other sperm cells.

When inside the egg, both the egg and the sperm prepare for a genetic fusion. After this, the 23 chromosomes from the egg and the sperm cell respectively, fuse together. They generate the 1 st cell that gives rise to new life, called the zygote.

After fertilization, the zygote moves through the fallopian tube to attach itself to the inner wall of the uterus.

What about twins? Is the sperms’ journey to the egg different?

Twin pregnancies happen either when two fertilized eggs attaches to the uterus simultaneously (dizygotic twins). Or it happens when one fertilized egg splits into two embryos (monozygotic twins).

With the ExSeed Home Sperm Test , we assess how many sperm cells there are in a semen sample and how many of them are swimming. As you may see from this post, these are important parameters in determining if the sperm cells will reach the egg.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any comments or questions!

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How Does Sleep Apnea Relate to Sperm Health?

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Chicken or egg? One zoologist’s attempt to solve the conundrum of which came first

The writer of a new book about life on Earth seen through the prism of the egg says the age-old paradox actually leads us back a billion years – to the bottom of the ocean

T he chicken or the egg? Sometimes, as a zoology author, I am asked this question by the kid at the front with the raised hand and large questioning eyes. Sometimes it’s the older guy at the back with a glint in his eye. Sometimes it’s a student who approaches the lectern at the end of a lecture while everyone else files out. The same mischievous eyes, the same wry smile. “So which came first?” they ask, beaming, unaware that this is not the first time I have been asked.

I hadn’t foreseen, years ago, when I began exploring the evolution of the animal egg and the role it has played in the long history of life on this planet, that it would become pretty much the only question I would be asked. I spent years reframing the evolution of life on Earth as a story told from the egg’s perspective, tracing this strange vessel’s adaptation to land, its movement across continents, the evolution of the umbilical cord, the evolution of the placenta, menstruation, menopause… but even now, having finally turned this journey into a book, I expect that a great deal of my dialogue with readers will be chicken-based.

Luckily, I consider chickens a fascinating gateway species for anyone who has never really stopped to think about how strange and beautiful animal eggs are when you consider them for a moment.

So, the question at hand – chicken or egg? Which really came first?

Like an egg, the question itself needs some space to breathe. The chicken and egg paradox – the classic causality dilemma – playfully expresses the difficulty that human minds have in sequencing actions where one thing depends on the other being done first and vice versa. Aristotle, writing in the fourth century BC, considered it to be an example of an infinite sequence, with no true beginning. It was a way of imagining what infinity represents. Later, Plutarch, the Greek historian and biographer, talked of the chicken and egg being a “great and weighty problem” that forced philosophers to engage in questions about whether the world had a beginning or whether it would ever end. The chicken and the egg were, in a way, precursors to modern-day questions about cosmology, deep time and physics. Later, through a series of exciting discoveries in the 19th century (particularly the ideas of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, co-discovers of natural selection), biologists and geologists were able to offer a more evidence-based perspective on the age-old question. And so, what follows in the next paragraph is the standard response you are likely to get should you throw a “chicken or egg” question at a modern-day zoologist.

If you think of an egg as something with a hard shell that you can crack with a spoon, then the egg did arrive long before chickens. Because birds, which all lay eggs, go back a long time in history, many millions of years, whereas chickens, according to DNA studies and archaeological evidence , have been around for less than 10,000 years. So the answer to the paradox is a simple one. Egg wins. By a country mile. In fact, shelled eggs evolved in some ( but not all ) dinosaur groups, one of which was the ancestor of modern-day birds, about 160m years ago. Other dinosaur groups, including the earliest long-necked dinosaurs known as sauropods, may have evolved shelled eggs 195 million years ago . And so, in a very real way, there you have it: the egg, almost 200m years and counting, is considerably older than the chicken, which is, at most, around 0.01m years old.

But that doesn’t feel satisfying. My problem with this go-to zoological response is that it shortchanges the egg. Because eggs are very varied indeed. These numerous organic vessels, whose primary function is to fire genetic lineages forward through time, deserve a little more space to… cook. So, when asked this question, I like to elaborate.

A more thought-provoking way of approaching the question is to ask: “What came first, the egg or the egg tube?” For it is not chickens, but egg tubes (known as oviducts; fallopian tubes in humans) that make many eggs look the way that they do. Egg tubes abound across the animal kingdom. From egg tubes that leak milk from their walls like the eyes of holy statues (see: some flies), to egg tubes that paste cement-like glue all over the eggs, so that they can be stuck on to human hair (see: head lice). There are egg tubes where embryos wrestle and fight to the death (see: some sharks ); egg tubes inhabited by blood-sucking placentae (see: some mammals); egg tubes flanked by paired vaginas (see: marsupials).

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The chicken’s egg tube really is astonishingly beautiful. Every chicken’s egg you have ever held was first dressed in a dizzying, constricted, complicated life-corridor. Every egg you’ve ever cracked into a mixing bowl or boiled and served with soldiers graduated from it. Deep within the chicken, the egg you held in your hand began as a gloopy, slimy blob. As it passed through the egg tube, it was tended to by glands in the walls of the egg tube which sprayed different chemicals on to the egg, almost as if it were a vehicle passing through a car wash. Some nozzles sprayed a foamy calcium-rich layer that hardened into shell. Some sprayed tiny pencil-like markings on the eggshell; others painted constellations of dots and spots. In some birds, the eggs can be made all manner of blues and greens by these tiny nozzles. The blackbird egg (laid in spring and early summer in a shrub near you) looks almost as if it has been carved in jade. There are even pores in the wall of the chicken’s egg tube that secrete a waxy layer to the external shell of the egg, to protect it from microbes. And then the egg is delivered, like a shiny executive wagon on a car forecourt, polished and ready to go.

Which came first, the egg or the tube that made it? Why would an egg tube evolve if there were no egg for it to serve? How could there be an egg if there were no egg tube? Deeper we go. The truth is that the egg came a long way before the evolution of the egg tube, and by an extensive margin – many millions of years, clearly visible in the fossil record. In jellyfish, among the very first animals thought to have evolved, eggs are grown in the body and then shed directly into the water, often in their thousands. Perhaps the earliest eggs were shed this way.

Eggs are truly ancient. They go back 600m years or more, as documented by discoveries of sphere-like specimens found in slabs of ancient sea floors. Barely a millimetre or so across, some appear surprisingly intact . Some even have what are argued to be primitive cells within them – two, four, eight, 16 – dividing to become new life: an embryo, a hatchling, a generation. The truth is that we don’t yet know much about the animals that hatched from these mysterious prehistoric eggs. Some are claimed to be jellyfish; others may have been primitive marine worms. Either way, these eggs are very old. Far older than chickens or egg tubes. These fossil eggs go back to the Ediacaran period, about 100m years before animals (as we know them) really got going. The very idea of the existence of a chicken – a walking, squawking, feathered thing with an internal mineral-enriched skeleton, eyes and a beak – would have been unimaginable to anything capable of imagination back then. Yet, incredibly, the egg probably goes back further in time even than this.

If you expand the parameters of the question to allow the inclusion of sex cells (gametes), eg ova and sperm, then eggs beat chickens by, give or take, 1bn years. The uniformity and commonality of sex among distantly related modern-day groups, such as algae, plants and animals (then mostly little more than single-celled specks, hoovering detritus from rocks), suggests that eggs and sperm likely evolved at some time around 1bn years ago. This leads us to conclude that there were eggs and sperm on this planet long before animals as we know them today evolved. This was long, long, before egg tubes.

And so, in this great paradox of recent millennia, it’s the egg. Always the egg. The egg is older than the chicken. That’s what I’ll say next time I am asked, before readying myself for a final flourish. Because the paradox, like the egg, still has many fascinating layers that continue to attract human minds.

There is the genetics to consider, for instance. There must have been a moment when the chicken’s ancestor, wild jungle fowl laid a fertilised egg, within which were the exact combination of mutations that gave rise to the lineage that was then given the spoken label “chicken” (or its early language equivalent). And what is a “chicken”, exactly? The chicken of old, striding around back yards pecking at grain? Or the modern-day broiler, the monstrous perversion bred into existence by the poultry industry? What we call a “chicken” is really, when viewed across millennia, a tumbling river of genes and genetic lineages flowing forwards in time, shuffling in and out of novel combinations as generations pass, chiselled and finessed by the whims of unthinking planetary surface forces or, more commonly for this species, the sculpting, selective hands of industry. Like countries upon continents, the concept of “chicken” only exists because there is an upright ape on this planet with a kink for categories and a fondness for labelling things as they stand at this precise geological moment in Earth’s history. And what are animals, really? Are animals organisms that produce eggs in order to make more animals? Or are animals the vessels that eggs use, in an evolutionary way, to make more eggs?

Chicken or egg? Eggs or egg tubes? Eggs or animals? An enduring paradox, dreamed up 2,000 years ago, remains, in my eyes at least, as delicious and thrilling as ever to consider. We are living in an age of science, of rigorous evidence and journals and discoveries galore, yet still this simple question has the potential to exercise the mind in a very satisfying way. And so, long live the egg, the leftmost bookend to every animal life. Modern graduate of the egg tube. A truly marvellous thing.

Infinite Life: A Revolutionary Story of Eggs, Evolution and Life on Earth by Jules Howard is published by Elliott & Thompson (£20). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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