Journey of the sperm

This is different from men, who continuously make more sperm. The work could provide new insights into treating male infertility. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Since sperm is constantly being produced in the testis, if there is no ejaculation after a period of time, the sperm are reabsorbed into the body. The whole process of spermatogenesis, from newly formed sperm to a fully mature one, usually takes around 74 days. About once a month, an egg is released from one of a woman's two ovaries.

Cancel anytime. Create an account to start this course today. Company Partners Contact us. What Is the Epididymis? You are viewing lesson Lesson 15 in chapter 18 of the course:. These spermatozoa are almost mature but lack flagellar movement and the ability to fertilize an egg. Once past the bulbourethral glands, the semen is forced down the urethra by the constriction of the bulbospongiosus muscle at the base of the penis in the process called ejaculation.

This stop marks the start of the male reproductive tract. The Endocrine System. Your next lesson will play in 10 seconds. Fig 1 The journey begins with millions of sperm cells that are released into the female reproductive tract during intercourse.