Gaffney, E. A., Gadêlha, H., Smith, D. J., Blake, J. R. and Kirkman-Brown, J. C. (2011) Mammalian sperm motility : observation and theory. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, Volume 43 (Number 1). pp. 501-528. doi:10.1146/annurev-fluid-121108-145442 ISSN 0066-4189.

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Abstract

Mammalian spermatozoa motility is a subject of growing importance because of rising human infertility and the possibility of improving animal breeding. We highlight opportunities for fluid and continuum dynamics to provide novel insights concerning the mechanics of these specialized cells, especially during their remarkable journey to the egg. The biological structure of the motile sperm appendage, the flagellum, is described and placed in the context of the mechanics underlying the migration of mammalian sperm through the numerous environments of the female reproductive tract. This process demands certain specific changes to flagellar movement and motility for which further mechanical insight would be valuable, although this requires improved modeling capabilities, particularly to increase our understanding of sperm progression in vivo. We summarize current theoretical studies, highlighting the synergistic combination of imaging and theory in exploring sperm motility, and discuss the challenges for future observational and theoretical studies in understanding the underlying mechanics.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Computer Science Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Engineering > Engineering
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Fluid dynamics, Spermatozoa -- Motility
Journal or Publication Title:	Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics
Publisher:	Annual Reviews
ISSN:	0066-4189
Official Date:	2011
Dates:	Date Event 2011 Published
Volume:	Volume 43
Number:	Number 1
Page Range:	pp. 501-528
DOI:	10.1146/annurev-fluid-121108-145442
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Funder:	King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , CAPES Foundation, Medical Research Council (Great Britain) (MRC), Birmingham Science City, Wellcome Trust (London, England)
Grant number:	BEX-4676/06-8 (CAPES), G0600178 (MRC)

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