Final answer:
The tail of the epididymis is the site where mature sperm are stored until ejaculation. This component of the male reproductive system ensures sperm are viable and ready for the fertilization process when ejaculated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The site where sperm are stored until they are ejaculated is the tail of the epididymis.
Sperm development starts in the seminiferous tubules, which are located within the testes. Here, the sperm are produced and then transferred to the epididymis. The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that adheres to the back of each testis, and it is divided into the head, body, and tail. The primary role of the epididymis is to allow the sperm to mature and gain motility, essential for swimming up the female reproductive tract to reach the egg.
Once the sperm have matured, they are stored in the tail of the epididymis. The sperm remain in this location until ejaculation, at which point they travel through the vas deferens and eventually are expelled from the body. This location for sperm storage is conducive to maintaining the viability of the sperm until they are needed.