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

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System01:16

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition01:22

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

695
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...
695
Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

102.2K
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...
102.2K
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System01:25

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

863
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....
863
Maturation of Endosomes01:28

Maturation of Endosomes

4.2K
The early endosome containing internalized molecules matures through transformations in its location, morphology, intraluminal pH, and membrane protein composition. Together, these changes result in a more acidic late endosome that contains multiple intraluminal vesicles; therefore, the late endosome is also called a multivesicular body (MVB).
Changes in location
The maturing endosome moves along microtubules from the periphery of the cell towards the perinuclear region. This movement of the...
4.2K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Associations of sow characteristics, boar semen traits, and seminal plasma metabolomics with fertility outcomes following artificial insemination.

Theriogenology·2026
Same author

Environmental influences on seminal plasma: Molecular and functional insights.

The Journal of reproduction and development·2026
Same author

Multigenerational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) negatively impacts the reproductive health of male mice.

Environmental research·2026
Same author

Cross-species multi-omic analyses of great ape ejaculates reveal novel strategies for enhancing sperm cryopreservation in Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).

Zoological letters·2026
Same author

Exploring the contributions of human seminal extracellular vesicles to reproduction and fertility.

Reproduction (Cambridge, England)·2026
Same author

Curating fertility-proteomic remodelling of sperm during epididymal transit.

Reproduction (Cambridge, England)·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
10:23

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion

Published on: August 25, 2018

9.3K

Epididymosomes: Composition and Functions for Sperm Maturation.

Laura Orama Méar1, Pei-Shiue Tsai1,2,3, Cottrell Tangella Tamessar4,5

  • 1Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology
|September 23, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Epididymosomes, vesicles from the epididymal epithelium, deliver essential cargo like proteins and nucleic acids to sperm. This enhances sperm viability, function, and may influence fertility and epigenetics.

Keywords:
EpididymisEpididymosomesExtracellular vesiclesFertilityMale fertilitySpermSperm maturation

More Related Videos

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

12.9K
Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses
09:59

Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses

Published on: October 7, 2020

7.3K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
10:23

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion

Published on: August 25, 2018

9.3K
Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

12.9K
Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses
09:59

Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses

Published on: October 7, 2020

7.3K

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Extracellular Vesicles

Background:

  • Epididymosomes are secreted by the epididymal epithelium.
  • They are key mediators of intercellular communication in the male reproductive tract.
  • Their role in sperm maturation and function is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of epididymosome origin, composition, and functional significance.
  • To highlight the role of epididymosomes in male fertility.
  • To underscore the potential of epididymosomes in reproductive health treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on epididymosomes.
  • Analysis of studies detailing epididymosome biogenesis and cargo.
  • Examination of functional studies implicating epididymosomes in sperm physiology.

Main Results:

  • Epididymosomes contain a diverse macromolecular payload, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
  • They deliver this cargo to maturing spermatozoa, influencing viability and function.
  • Evidence suggests roles in post-translational modification, oxidative stress protection, immune surveillance, and epigenetic transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Epididymosomes are crucial for male reproductive health through their complex cargo delivery.
  • Understanding epididymosome biogenesis and function is vital for advancing fertility treatments.
  • Further research promises significant insights into male reproductive biology and therapeutic interventions.