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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...
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...
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System01:25

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production 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.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
10:23

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion

Published on: August 25, 2018

Differences between epididymal and ejaculated sperm characteristics in donkey.

Alessia Gloria1, Alberto Contri, Ippolito De Amicis

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Viale Crispi 212, Teramo, Italy.

Animal Reproduction Science
|October 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Donkey sperm from the epididymis show higher viability and mitochondrial activity than ejaculated sperm. However, epididymal sperm exhibit faster but less progressive motility, with cytoplasmic droplet loss occurring near ejaculation.

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Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
03:28

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Animal Science
  • Sperm Physiology

Background:

  • Spermatozoa gain motility and fertilizing capacity during epididymal transit.
  • The epididymis, particularly the cauda, is crucial for sperm maturation and storage.
  • Previous studies on equine cauda epididymis sperm exist, but jackass data is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize sperm from the jackass cauda epididymis.
  • To compare epididymal sperm characteristics with ejaculated sperm in jackasses.
  • To investigate sperm maturation and storage in jackass reproductive physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Semen samples collected from the cauda epididymis of 10 Martina Franca jackasses.
  • Analysis included viability (Propidium iodide/Sybr-14®), mitochondrial activity (Mitotraker®), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer - CASA), and morphology.
  • Comparison between epididymal and ejaculated sperm parameters.

Main Results:

  • Higher viability and mitochondrial activity observed in cauda epididymis sperm.
  • Total and progressive sperm percentages were comparable, but cauda epididymis sperm had faster curvilinear velocity (VCL) and less progressive characteristics (higher ALH, lower STR, LIN).
  • Sperm morphology varied significantly between individuals, but subclass percentages were similar. Distal cytoplasmic droplet loss occurred around ejaculation.

Conclusions:

  • Jackass epididymal sperm exhibit enhanced viability and mitochondrial function.
  • Motility patterns differ, suggesting post-collection changes or maturation events.
  • Presence of proximal cytoplasmic droplets in both epididymal and ejaculated sperm may indicate maturation defects.