Sperm tails. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of sections through the tails of sperm (spermatozoa) cells at various levels. A sperm's tail's abi
Sperm tails. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of sections through the tails of sperm (spermatozoa) cells at various levels. A sperm's tail's ability to move is partly due to the arrangement of microtubules (red central dots) within the tail. The microtubules are arranged in a central axoneme with two central single microtubules and nine peripheral double microtubules. Surrounding the microtubules are dense fibres, which provide rigidity and protection to the tail. Next is a layer of mitochondria (green) which provide the energy for movement. Finally the tail is wrapped in a protective outer sheath. Magnification: x45,000 when printed 10 centimetres wide.
Size: 3709px × 2393px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: accessory, anatomical, anatomy, axoneme, background, biological, biology, cell, central, cut, cut-, cut-outs, cutout, cutouts, cytological, cytology, dense, electron, fibre, fibres, flagella, flagellum, gamete, gametes, healthy, male, micrograph, microscope, microtubule, microtubules, mitochondria, mitochondrion, normal, outs, reproduction, reproductive, section, sectioned, sections, sex, sheath, sperm, spermatozoa, spermatozoan, spermatozoon, tail, tails, tem, transmission, white
