Computation of Human-Sperm Local Flagellar Instantaneous Velocity

The instantaneous velocity generated by human-sperm flagellum is key for the fundamental description and understanding of flagellar movement and sperm motility. Furthermore, since the flagellar movement is intrinsically three-dimensional, only with 3D dynamic data of the flagellar trajectory it is feasible to compute the instantaneous velocity of flagellar point elements. It was only recently that real flagellar 3D+t motility data were available, which is indispensable for the calculation of instantaneous velocity. In this work we present the first results of flagellar instantaneous velocity obtained from \(3D+t\) data of human sperm by means of a Fourier fitting method. One descriptor and its distribution over the sperm sample are presented to compare the experimental conditions (induced to capacitate, and not induced to capacitate as control) related to the fertilization process. While the descriptor distributions are evidently distinct across both experimental conditions, a statistical analysis confirmed this difference supporting the visual perception and importance of the finding.