Final answer:
The cellular motility of sperm depends on the structure of the sperm itself, sperm maturation, and capacitation in the female reproductive tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cellular motility of sperm depends on several factors. One important factor is the structure of the sperm itself. Sperm cells are divided into a head, mid-piece, and tail. The tail, also known as the flagella, moves like a propeller, providing the motility for the sperm. The mid-piece of the sperm is packed with mitochondria, which produce energy used for movement.
Additionally, sperm maturation plays a role in cellular motility. Sperm are initially produced in the testes and are not yet motile. They gain motility as they mature in the epididymis, a tubular structure connected to the testes. This maturation process allows the sperm to swim up the female genital tract and reach an egg.
Furthermore, capacitation, a process that occurs in the female reproductive tract, improves the motility of sperm. During capacitation, fluids in the female reproductive tract thin the membrane of the sperm's head, facilitating its ability to penetrate the oocyte's exterior. This process prepares the sperm for fertilization.