The reproductive cells of males, the spermatozoa, are secreted by the sexual male glands and are contained in a viscous fluid called semen.
The body ejaculates this fluid through the penis, and it is instrumental in fertilizing the female ova.
The seminal vesicles and the prostrate gland are the accessory male reproductive organs, and they secrete the fluid called seminal plasma of which the semen is composed.
The texture and cohesion are contributed by the bulburethral organs in the form of small amounts of viscous mucus.
The seminal plasma serves a dual purpose - protection of the spermatozoa during their journey across the length of the female reproductive tract, and to feed it during this while.
The composition of the vagina is fairly acidic, so much that the spermatozoa would find survival difficult.
Besides this, the immune system also views the sperm as foreign bodies and their attack can destroy the sperm.
Nature has provided protection in the form of basic amines as a counter to the acidity of the vagina, and to thus protect the DNA inside the sperm from being destroyed thus.
The final function of the semen is to reduce the viscosity of the vaginal canal by providing the spermatozoa a solution to swim through.
The mucus and texturizing proteins also prevent the sperm from diffusing out of the semen while traversing the canal.
This article serves as a basic source of background knowledge and information about sperm and semen.
If you are interested in learning more about seminal volumes and sperm counts you are invited to click on one of the links below.