@TerrecaRiley mentioned that they had trouble reading the card @SaraSDx made so I thought I'd add the full text here for everyone ^_^
Sperm Creation
FSH from the brain stimulates germ cells in the testicle make complete replicates of themselves. Then through meiosis the DNS is chopped up and rearranged to make a new % unique genetic code in each baby sperm cell.
Sperm Maturation
Sperm are made in tiny tubes (seminigerous tubules) lined with sertoli cells that provide testosterone & nutrients to baby sperm cells to help them mature. As they grow, they are pushed into the epididymis where they grow tails and learn how to swim.
Controlling Pollution
Like car exhaust, sperm produce a bi-product of ROS as they swim. Antioxidants neutralize ROS to keep sperm healthy.
Environmental controls
Sperm also require a precise temperature of 4 degrees fahrenheit lower than body temp. Testicles raise & lower in response to external heat to keep sperm safe.
Storage
Sperm can live up to 3 weeks after they are fully mature. They are stored in the epididymis, a 20 ft tube coiled up in the testicle until they are transported through the vas deferens upon ejaculation.
Key Stats
Sperm Size
Head: 0.005mm
Tail: 0.05mm
Sperm take 72 days to grow
The average person makes 1500 sperm per second
Sperm live:
2-4 weeks in the testicle
5-7 days in the vaginal canal
1-3 hours in a cup
The average person makes 525 billion sperm over the course of their life
Swim speed: 8 inches per hour
Hormones
Lutenizing Hormone
Stimulates the leydig cells in the testicle to produce testosterone
Leydig cells receive LH to create testosterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Stimulates meiosis in duplicated sperm cells & supports sertoli cell function
Testosterone
Supports growth of baby sperm cells & enables traits such as facial hair & large muscles
Seminferous tubules- Nearly 2000 ft of 1000 microscopic tubes in testicle where sperm are created
Sertoli cells- Provide nutrients to baby sperm
Germ cells- Separate to form sperm cells
Nutrients
Folic acid
Provides molecules essential for DNA replication. Found in spinach, broccoli & black beans.
Selenium
Supports hormone regulation & structural development of sperm. Found in brazil nuts & seafood.
Vitamin C
Powerful antioxidant that binds to ROS to keep sperm healthy. Found in citrus fruits & strawberries.
Zinc
Base of nearly 100 key proteins. Supports prostate health & semen production. Found in beef, shrimp & oats.
