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...

Surface Membrane Barriers

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...

Secretory Phase

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...

Menses Phase

Menses Phase

The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...

Glycocalyx and its Functions

Glycocalyx and its Functions

The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich, fuzzy-appearing layer on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It is highly hydrophilic, because of this it attracts large amounts of water to the cell's surface. This aids the cell's interaction with the watery environment and also helps it to obtain substances dissolved in the water. It is also important for cell identification, self/non-self determination, and embryonic development and is used in cell-to-cell attachments to form tissues.
Components of...

Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

TREATMENT METHODS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG CROATIAN STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Acta clinica Croatica·2026

Same author

Literature review and case report: Rare case of successful prenatal detection of Vein of Galen Malformation (VGAM).

European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology: X·2024

Same author

Novel PLGA-based nanoformulation decreases doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Nanoscale·2024

Same author

Unusual presentation of late-stage ectopic tubal pregnancy (19 weeks' gestation): Case report and literature review.

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology·2024

Same author

Prenatal diagnosis and management of pregnancy complicated by a coexisting mole: A case report.

Radiology case reports·2023

Same author

Comparison of bovine serum albumin and chitosan effects on calcium phosphate formation in the presence of silver nanoparticles.

RSC advances·2023

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Published on: July 6, 2014

Cervical mucus: from biochemical structure to clinical implications.

Marija Curlin¹, Danijel Bursac

¹Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. milcic@mef.hr

Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)

|January 2, 2013

Summary

Understanding human cervical mucus structure is key for female fertility and reproductive health. This review explores its complex biochemical and biophysical properties, aiding future research.

More Related Videos

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

Published on: April 21, 2022

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins

Published on: June 14, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Published on: July 6, 2014

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

Published on: April 21, 2022

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins

Published on: June 14, 2016

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Biochemistry
Biophysics

Background:

Human cervical mucus structure is crucial for female fertility and reproductive health.
Investigating cervical mucus is challenging due to its complex proteins, oligosaccharides, and cyclic variability.
Current knowledge on its chemical and biophysical features requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

To present current knowledge on the chemical and biophysical features of human cervical mucus.
To discuss the regulation of cervical mucus secretion and its clinical relevance.
To highlight underexplored areas, including the biochemical basis of physical properties and antimicrobial activity.

Main Methods:

Review of existing scientific literature on cervical mucus composition and properties.
Analysis of biochemical and biophysical data related to mucus structure.
Examination of clinical observations and regulatory mechanisms of mucus secretion.

Main Results:

Cervical mucus is a complex biological fluid with significant roles in fertility and protection.
Its physical properties are determined by biochemical components like proteins and oligosaccharides.
The cyclic variability of cervical mucus structure presents a significant challenge for research.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive understanding of cervical mucus's biochemical and biophysical characteristics is essential.
Further research into the regulation of mucus production and its antimicrobial functions is warranted.
This knowledge can advance female reproductive health and fertility management.