Scanning electron microscopy and histological examination of human seminal plasma coagulum

Human seminal plasma coagulum was examined by S.E.M. and light microscopy using various preparatory techniques. Two types of structures were observed; porous and laminated. A consistent finding using all the preparatory techniques was the presence of the majority of the spermatozoa on the surface of the coagulum as opposed to the interior. Those spermatozoa present in the interior of the coagulum are attributed to the invagination of the surface layer. The presence of spermatozoa on the surface of seminal plasma coagulum plays an important role in concentrating spermatozoa in close proximity to the cervical os. This allows spermatozoa to reach cervical mucus rapidly and minimizes the time they must remain in the unfavourable environment of the vagina.