Glossary
Semen
Fluid containing the sperm and nourishing secretions that is expelled from the male reproductive system by means of ejaculation.
Semen Analysis
A test performed on freshly ejaculated sperm to determine the count, shape, size, and ability of the sperm to move.
Seminiferous tubules
Specialized microscopic ducts located within the testes. Immature sperm begin to mature in these tubules.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
A reproductive health problem attributable to an infectious agent passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse.
Sperm
The microscopic cell that carries the male's genetic information to the female's egg the male reproductive cell the male gamete.
Sperm Count
The number of sperm in an ejaculate. Also called sperm concentration and given as the number of sperm per milliliter.
Sperm motility
The ability of sperm to swim. Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward the egg.
Split-Ejaculate
Seminal fluid with an enhanced concentration of sperm created by splitting an ejaculated semen sample (the first half of the ejaculate contains most of the sperm).
