Which structure stores and matures sperm?

Which structure stores and matures sperm?

• A. Testes
• B. Epididymis
• C. Prostate
• D. Seminal vesicle

Answer: (B)

Maturation and storage of sperm happen in the epididymis. After sperm are produced in the testes, they are immature and not yet capable of fertilization. They travel into the epididymal duct, where they spend time maturing as they move from the head to the tail. During this passage, they gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg, and the epididymis also stores mature sperm until ejaculation. The other structures have different roles: the testes mainly produce sperm; the prostate and seminal vesicles add fluids to semen but do not store or mature sperm.

Maturation and storage of sperm happen in the epididymis. After sperm are produced in the testes, they are immature and not yet capable of fertilization. They travel into the epididymal duct, where they spend time maturing as they move from the head to the tail. During this passage, they gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg, and the epididymis also stores mature sperm until ejaculation. The other structures have different roles: the testes mainly produce sperm; the prostate and seminal vesicles add fluids to semen but do not store or mature sperm.