Explanation:
Sperm Transport
Sperm transport occurs in both the male reproductive tract and the female reproductive tract. In the male reproductive tract, transport of spermatozoa is closely connected with their structural and functional maturation, whereas in the female reproductive tract, it is important for spermatozoa to pass to the upper uterine tube, where they can meet the ovulated egg.
After spermiogenesis in the seminiferous tubules, the spermatozoa are morphologically mature but are nonmotile and incapable of fertilizing an egg (Figure 2). Spermatozoa are passively transported via testicular fluid from the seminiferous tubules to the caput (head) of the epididymis through the rete testis and the efferent ductules. They are propelled by fluid pressure generated in the seminiferous tubules and are assisted by smooth muscle contractions and ciliary currents in the efferent ductules. Spermatozoa spend about 12 days in the highly convoluted duct of the epididymis, which measures 6 m in the human, during which time they undergo biochemical maturation. This period of maturation is associated with changes in the glycoproteins in the plasma membrane of the sperm head. By the time the spermatozoa have reached the cauda (tail) of the epididymis, they are capable of fertilizing an egg.
