Final answer:
Males contribute to reproduction by producing sperm, which they deliver to the female reproductive system. A normal sperm count for reproduction is typically 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Sperm cells have special features for reproduction; likewise, semen, formed with contributions from male accessory glands, is necessary for sperm transport and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Male Contribution in Reproduction
The male contribution to reproduction involves the production, maintenance, transport, and delivery of sperm. Sperm are male reproductive cells, crucial for sexual reproduction. They are produced in the testes and delivered along with seminal fluids as semen during ejaculation. Features that are exclusive to sperm cells include a specialized flagellum for motility, a compact nucleus carrying genetic information, and an acrosome that contains enzymes to penetrate the egg.
Sperm Count and Reproduction
A typical sperm count necessary for reproduction is about 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or more, as defined by the World Health Organization. Counts below this threshold may lead to difficulties with conception and are a common cause of male infertility. However, it is important to note that both quantity and quality of sperm are essential factors in successful fertilization. Sperm counts may vary with age, health, lifestyle, and other factors, potentially affecting reproductive capabilities.
Features of Sperm and Semen
Sperm cells are structurally adapted for reproductive success through their small size and streamlined shape to navigate the female reproductive tract efficiently. The three male accessory glands—the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral glands—contribute fluids that protect the sperm and facilitate their movement. These components make up semen which carries sperm out of the male body and into the female reproductive system during sexual reproduction.