Back Semen AF Esperma AN مني Arabic ܢܘܛܦܬܐ ARC السائل المنوى ARZ Semen AST Spermalar AZ Сперма BA Kasit BCL Сперма BE

Semen

Not to be confused with Sperm.
For other uses, see Semen (disambiguation).

Spermatozoa, in this case human, are a primary component in normal semen, and the agents of fertilization of female ova.

Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is an organic bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa. Spermatozoa are secreted by the male gonads (sexual glands) and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize the female ovum. Semen is produced and originates from the seminal vesicle, which is located in the pelvis. The process that results in the discharge of semen from the urethral orifice is called ejaculation. In humans, seminal fluid contains several components besides spermatozoa: proteolytic and other enzymes as well as fructose are elements of seminal fluid which promote the survival of spermatozoa and provide a medium through which they can move or "swim". The fluid is adapted to be discharged deep into the vagina, so the spermatozoa can pass into the uterus and form a zygote with an egg.

Semen is also a form of genetic material. In animals, semen has been collected for cryoconservation. Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources is a practice that calls for the collection of genetic material in efforts for conservation of a particular breed.