Electron Microscopic Study of Mature Bovine Spermatozoa

Abstract

Thin sections of bull spermatozoa imbedded in a partially prepolymerized methacrylate mixture and stained by osmic acid alone or in combination with potassium permanganate were used for observation. The acrosomic granule appeared as an integral structure within the acrosomic cap. The acrosomic cap overlapped the porous posterior nuclear cap. The mid piece, containing axial fibrils of at least two different dimensions appeared to have a diameter at least as great as the thickness of the head. Possible contractile elements of the fibrils are closely associated with the basal granules in the neck. Certain characteristics of the tail area are similar to those described for other species. A schematic diagram conceived from micrographs is included.