Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

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 Transport

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...

Testes: Histology

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...

Spermatogenesis

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...

Spermatogenesis

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...

Testes: Gross Anatomy

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

SARS-CoV-2 is not found in human semen during mild COVID-19 acute stage.

Andrologia·2021

Same author

Risks of nonchromosomal birth defects, small-for-gestational age birthweight, and prematurity with in vitro fertilization: effect of number of embryos transferred and plurality at conception versus at birth.

Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics·2021

Same author

The risk of birth defects with conception by ART.

Human reproduction (Oxford, England)·2020

Same author

Assessment of Birth Defects and Cancer Risk in Children Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization in the US.

JAMA network open·2020

Same author

Reprint of: Follicle-stimulating hormone levels on cycle day 3 are predictive of in vitro fertilization outcome.

Fertility and sterility·2019

Same author

Reprint of: Predictive value of abnormal sperm morphology in in vitro fertilization.

Fertility and sterility·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Semen analysis and sperm function testing.

Daniel R Franken¹, Sergio Oehninger

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospita, Cape Town, South Africa. drf@sun.ac.za

Asian Journal of Andrology

|December 20, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The latest World Health Organization manual updates semen analysis standards, emphasizing evidence-based cutoffs for male fertility testing. Quality control and sperm function tests are crucial for accurate male infertility investigations.

More Related Videos

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

Published on: January 19, 2024

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen

Published on: January 19, 2024

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

Area of Science:

Andrology
Reproductive Medicine
Clinical Laboratory Science

Background:

Semen analysis remains a cornerstone of male fertility evaluation, despite ongoing debate about its clinical utility.
Standardized semen analysis is widely adopted in infertility clinics globally, with limited use of advanced technologies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) manual provides essential guidelines for semen analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review significant updates in semen analysis procedures outlined in the new WHO manual.
To highlight the shift towards evidence-based reference values for semen parameters.
To discuss the importance of quality control in andrology and current sperm function testing.

Main Methods:

Review of the latest WHO manual for semen analysis.
Evaluation of changes in methodology and reference values.
Assessment of quality control programs and sperm functional assays.

Main Results:

The new WHO manual incorporates evidence-based references for determining normal semen parameter values.
Standard semen evaluation and handling techniques largely remain consistent with previous editions.
Quality control programs, particularly for sperm morphology assessment, have maintained proficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions:

The updated WHO manual signifies a move towards more rigorous, evidence-based male fertility diagnostics.
Continued emphasis on quality control is vital for reliable andrology laboratory results.
Sperm function tests and DNA integrity assessments offer complementary insights into male reproductive potential.