Introduction
Semen is a substance that carries the male reproductive cells called the sperm. Semen is usually composed of water, plasma, and mucus. In addition to this, it also contains some calories and other essential nutrients. The health and quality of the semen and the sperm are very important for fertilizing an egg. Read the article to learn more about semen composition.
What Is Meant by Semen?
Semen is also known as seminal fluid. Semen is an organic fluid ejaculated by the male reproductive tract and contains the male reproductive cells called the sperm. Semen also contains seminal plasma, which helps in keeping the sperm alive. Semen usually contains fluid with citrate, enzymes, amino acids, phosphate, spermatozoa, and mucus. The semen will contain about 200 to 300 million sperms in each ejaculation. The testicle starts producing sperm right from when the person hits puberty and throughout life. So, one milliliter of semen will contain about 40 to 60 million sperm. In the case of mature males, spermatozoa are also produced by the testes, representing only about ten percent of the total semen.
What Is the Difference Between Semen and Sperm?
Sperm and semen are not the same. Semen refers to the liquid that carries sperm, the male reproductive cells. These sperm are responsible for fertilizing the egg. The semen, in addition to sperm, also contains many other components.
What Is the Function of Semen?
The main functions of semen are
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Transportation: The male reproductive cells called the sperms are transferred from the male reproductive system to the female reproductive system at the time of sexual activity with the help of semen.
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Nutrition and Protection: Sperms are supported by nutrients such as fructose in seminal fluid. These nutrients also guard the sperm against the acidic nature of the female reproductive canal.
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Fertilization: The sperm in the semen are the male reproductive cells that travel all the way to fertilize the egg, which is the female reproductive cell.
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Health Implication: Fertility is completely based on healthy semen; any irregularities in the composition of the semen can affect the fertility of the man.
What Is the Composition of Semen?
The semen fluid is usually secreted from the secretions produced by the male reproductive organ. Semen usually has potassium, citric acid, phosphorylcholine, fructose, amino acid, zinc, etc. 46 percent to 80 percent of the semen is composed of the fluid produced from the seminal vesicle. 13 percent to 33 percent is made of the prostate gland. Five percent of fluid is from the testicles and epididymis, and two to five percent from the bulbourethral gland.
What Are the Components of Semen?
At the time of ejaculation, the semen passes through the ejaculatory duct. It gets mixed up with the components in the duct, secreted by the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral gland. The fluid secreted by the seminal vesicle tends to be yellowish in color and rich in fructose. This fluid is viscous, making about 70 percent of the semen. The fluid secreted by the prostate gland is whitish and contains enzymes, lipids, citric acid, and phosphatase. This fluid makes up to 13 to 33 percent of the semen. The fluid secreted by the bulbourethral gland helps in lubrication, making up to two to three percent of the components of semen. Some five percent of the fluid is made of secretion produced from testicles and epididymis.
Semen with the seminal fluid will protect and provide nutrition to the spermatozoa while they travel along the reproductive duct tract. The vaginal environment is usually hostile for spermatozoa; this is because it is acidic, viscous, and contains immune cells. The components of the seminal fluid will help to reduce the hostile nature of the vagina. Most of the semen composition comprises secretion from the male reproductive organs.
What Is Meant by Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis is a test done to examine the quality of the semen sample for several sperms. Semen analysis is usually done in case of fertility problems. This is also done to check if the vasectomy performed was successful or not. In this test,
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The sperm count present in the semen is analyzed.
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The sperm activity is evaluated.
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The sperm shape is noted.
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The pH level of the semen is noted.
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Semen density.
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Vitality.
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Time for the semen to liquify will be noted.
Why Does Semen Contain Nutrients?
In addition to sperm, semen also contains nutrients. Nutrients are required for the semen to withstand the harsh environment of the vagina. The nutrients present in the semen will help the sperm stay alive and provide the required energy when they travel toward the egg. The main source of energy is fructose, a form of sugar. The usual nutrients present in the semen are
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Calcium.
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Citrate.
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Fructose.
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Glucose.
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Potassium.
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Protein.
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Zinc.
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Lactic acid.
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Magnesium.
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Protein.
What Are the Other Components of Semen?
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Sperm: Sperm is the male reproductive cell required to fertilize the egg. Usually, millions of sperm are present in a single ejaculation.
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Protein and Enzyme: Enzymes like fructose and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) produce energy for the sperm.
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Fructose: This is a type of sugar present in the seminal fluid, producing energy for the sperm.
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Minerals: Some minerals such as zinc and calcium are seen in semen, which helps in the proper and healthy functioning of the semen.
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Prostaglandins: These hormone-like compounds play a vital role in physiological processes such as the contraction of smooth muscles, which helps the sperm to pass through the female reproductive system.
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Immunosuppressive Elements: These contain elements that prevent the person’s body from identifying foreign invaders.
Conclusion
Semen is a liquid that usually contains sperm and other nutrients. Semen comprises sperm, seminal fluids, and the fluids secreted from the prostate and bulbourethral glands. They also contain nutrients that provide the energy for the sperm to move through the female reproductive tract and also help to withstand the acidic nature of the female reproductive environment.
