Which of the following is defined as the percentage of sperm which are progressively motile?

The percentage of sperm that are progressively motile refers specifically to sperm motility, which assesses the ability of sperm to swim actively and effectively toward an egg. This measure is crucial in evaluating male fertility, as motility is a key factor in sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize an egg.

In practical terms, when assessing sperm motility, a laboratory technician examines a sample under a microscope and records the number of sperm that exhibit progressive movement, which is essential for successful reproduction. Sperm motility is an important aspect of semen analysis, often influencing decisions made regarding fertility treatments or breeding programs.

While sperm quality and count are essential components of a comprehensive semen analysis, they do not specifically refer to the percentage of sperm that show progressive motility. Fertility rate, on the other hand, relates to the success rate of conception within a population but does not focus on the characteristics of the sperm itself. Thus, sperm motility is the most accurate term to describe the percentage of sperm with the ability to swim actively.