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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Fertilization

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

Successful insertion and expression of a tetracycline transactivator in Anopheles stephensi associated with increased egg production and decreased hatching rate.

Parasites & vectors·2025

Same author

Detection and identification of Melissococcus plutonius in stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) from Brazil.

Journal of invertebrate pathology·2025

Same author

Successful insertion and expression of a tetracycline transactivator in Anopheles stephensi associated with increased egg production and decreased hatching rate.

Research square·2025

Same author

Single-cell analyses of polyclonal Plasmodium vivax infections and their consequences on parasite transmission.

Nature communications·2024

Same author

Infectivity of Plasmodium parasites to Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes maintained on blood-free meals of SkitoSnack.

Parasites & vectors·2024

Same author

Exploring the midgut physiology of the non-haematophagous mosquito <i>Toxorhynchites theobaldi</i>.

Open biology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Whole-Mount Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to Study Spermatogenesis in the Anopheles Mosquito

Author Spotlight: Whole-Mount Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to Study Spermatogenesis in the Anopheles Mosquito

Published on: May 26, 2023

The insect spermatheca: an overview.

Tales V Pascini¹, Gustavo F Martins¹

¹Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Zoology (Jena, Germany)

|January 17, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The insect spermatheca maintains sperm viability for reproduction. This review explores spermatheca biology, focusing on gland secretions crucial for sperm health and protection.

Keywords:

Insect spermatheca Reproduction Reproductive system Sperm Spermatozoa

More Related Videos

Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis: Live and Fixed Preparations of Drosophila Testes

Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis: Live and Fixed Preparations of Drosophila Testes

Published on: January 20, 2014

Author Spotlight: Analysis of Ovarian Anatomy in Migratory Insects to Overcome Experimental Challenges

Author Spotlight: Analysis of Ovarian Anatomy in Migratory Insects to Overcome Experimental Challenges

Published on: July 14, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Whole-Mount Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to Study Spermatogenesis in the Anopheles Mosquito

Author Spotlight: Whole-Mount Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to Study Spermatogenesis in the Anopheles Mosquito

Published on: May 26, 2023

Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis: Live and Fixed Preparations of Drosophila Testes

Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis: Live and Fixed Preparations of Drosophila Testes

Published on: January 20, 2014

Author Spotlight: Analysis of Ovarian Anatomy in Migratory Insects to Overcome Experimental Challenges

Author Spotlight: Analysis of Ovarian Anatomy in Migratory Insects to Overcome Experimental Challenges

Published on: July 14, 2023

Area of Science:

Entomology
Reproductive Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

The female insect spermatheca is vital for sperm storage and egg fertilization.
Sperm viability within the spermatheca is essential for reproductive success, yet poorly understood.
Spermathecal morphology and function vary significantly across insect species.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on spermatheca biology, including morphology, function, and development.
To identify gaps in understanding, particularly regarding spermathecal gland secretions.
To highlight the role of these secretions in maintaining sperm viability and protection.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing research on insect spermatheca.
Analysis of morphological and functional data across different species.
Examination of biochemical aspects related to sperm maintenance.

Main Results:

Spermathecae provide a nourishing environment for sperm through semen and gland secretions.
Limited information exists on the specific composition and function of spermathecal gland secretions.
These secretions are likely critical for long-term sperm maintenance and protection.

Conclusions:

The spermatheca is a complex organ crucial for insect reproduction.
Further research into spermathecal gland secretions is needed to fully understand sperm viability mechanisms.
Understanding these secretions can offer insights into insect reproductive strategies.