SPERMATOZOAN Meaning and
Definition
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A spermatozoan, commonly referred to as a sperm cell or spermatozoon, is the male reproductive cell or gamete. It is the smallest and most actively motile cell in the human body. Spermatozoa are produced in the testes through a process known as spermatogenesis and are responsible for the fertilization of an egg during sexual reproduction.
Structurally, a spermatozoan consists of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head contains the nucleus which carries the genetic material, and it features an acrosome that contains enzymes facilitating the penetration of the egg's protective layers. The neck connects the head to the midpiece, which is responsible for generating energy to power the cell. The tail, or flagellum, is a long, whip-like structure that propels the sperm forward through fluid environments.
Spermatozoa are produced in large quantities, and their production is regulated by hormones such as testosterone. They are released into the semen during ejaculation and swim through the female reproductive system to reach the ovum or egg. Only one spermatozoan typically fertilizes an egg, and the union of the two gametes results in the formation of a zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo.
The study of spermatozoa and their role in reproduction is crucial in fields such as human fertility and assisted reproductive technologies.
Common Misspellings for SPERMATOZOAN
- spermatozoid
- apermatozoan
- zpermatozoan
- xpermatozoan
- dpermatozoan
- epermatozoan
- wpermatozoan
- soermatozoan
- slermatozoan
- s-ermatozoan
- s0ermatozoan
- spwrmatozoan
- spsrmatozoan
- spdrmatozoan
- sprrmatozoan
- sp4rmatozoan
- sp3rmatozoan
- speematozoan
- spedmatozoan
- spefmatozoan
Etymology of SPERMATOZOAN
The word "spermatozoan" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It is composed of two main elements: "sperma" and "zōon".
1. "Sperma" (σπέρμα) means "seed" or "sperm" in Greek. It derives from the root "speírō" (σπείρω), meaning "to sow" or "to scatter".
2. "Zōon" (ζῷον) means "animal" or "living being" in Greek. It is derived from the verb "zéō" (ζέω), which means "to live" or "to be alive".
Combining these elements, "spermatozoan" literally translates to "sperm animal" or "living sperm".
Similar spelling words for SPERMATOZOAN
- spermatophyta,
- spermatozoid,
- spermatophyte,
- spermatocide,
- spermatocyte,
- spermatic,
- sperm count,
- spermatic cord,
- spermatogenesis,
- spermatozoon,
- spermatocele,
- spermatid.
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