ABSTRACT
A typical ejaculation releases 2 to 5 ml of semen that contain seminal fluid and sperm cells (spermatozoa). A normal sperm count ranges from 107 to 108 spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. Each testis is composed of numerous coiled seminiferous tubules in which the spermatozoa are formed from spermatogonia. This process of generating spermatozoa is referred to as spermatogenesis. The spermatozoa are then transported and stored at the tubular network of the epididymis where they undergo functional maturation (spermatogenesis and maturation take approximately 3 months). The epididymis joins the ductus deferens that transports matured sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. From there, spermatozoa follow the ejaculatory ducts into the prostatic urethra where they are joined with secretions from the prostate. Figure 8.1 illustrates the anatomy of the male reproductive system.
