Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition01:22

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Testes: Histology01:27

Testes: Histology

A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System01:16

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Evaluating Sperm DNA Damage: When and Why It Adds to the Management of the Infertile Man.

Advances in experimental medicine and biology·2026
Same author

Global Andrology Forum Clinical Guidelines on Antioxidant Use in the Treatment of Male Infertility.

The world journal of men's health·2026
Same author

Areas of Controversy and Confusion in Male Infertility: A Call for Clarity.

The world journal of men's health·2026
Same author

Sexual dysfunctions in male patients with infertility: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation for Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).

Sexual medicine reviews·2026
Same author

Myths, challenges, and misconceptions around men's sexual health in Saudi Arabia.

Sexual medicine reviews·2025
Same author

Redo testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) in men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and obstructive azoospermia (OA).

The Canadian journal of urology·2025
Same journal

Understanding PGT-M: A Guide for Clinicians.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
Same journal

Genetics in Reproduction.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
Same journal

Genetics in Reproduction.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
Same journal

Clinical Genetics in Reproductive Medicine: Variant Classification, Medically Actionable Genes, and Carrier Screening.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
Same journal

Clinical Testing for Genetic Conditions.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
Same journal

Genetics of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.

Seminars in reproductive medicine·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
08:48

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Semen analysis and sperm function assays: what do they mean?

Mark Sigman1, Abdulaziz Baazeem, Armand Zini

  • 1Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA. MSigman@Lifespan.org

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|February 28, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Semen analysis and sperm function assays are crucial for evaluating male infertility. These tests assess sperm

More Related Videos

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices
07:57

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen
04:36

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

Published on: January 19, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
08:48

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices
07:57

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen
04:36

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

Published on: January 19, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Andrology
  • Clinical laboratory science

Background:

  • Male infertility affects a significant portion of couples seeking reproductive assistance.
  • Comprehensive laboratory evaluation is essential for diagnosing male factor infertility.
  • Semen analysis and sperm function assays are key diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review semen analysis and sperm function assays for male infertility evaluation.
  • To explain the biologic capacity of sperm required for fertilization.
  • To guide clinicians in interpreting and utilizing these assays for patient management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on semen analysis.
  • Discussion of various sperm function assays and their principles.
  • Explanation of sperm's journey from semen to oocyte fertilization.

Main Results:

  • Sperm must undergo capacitation, acrosome reaction, and fusion with the oolemma for successful fertilization.
  • Functional DNA delivery to the ooplasm is critical for embryo development.
  • Defects in sperm function can lead to infertility.

Conclusions:

  • Sperm function testing evaluates the biologic capacity of sperm to fertilize ova.
  • Understanding assay indications and interpretation is vital for clinical decision-making.
  • Accurate laboratory testing aids in directing further infertility management.