**Abstract**

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are carriers of various biomolecules including bioactive enzymes, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. EVs are classified into three main types based on their size, biogenesis, and cargo. Exosomes originate from endosomal membranes and are the smallest type of EV. Microvesicles (MVs) or microparticles are larger in size, and like apoptotic bodies which represent the largest type of EVs, both of these vesicles originate from outward budding of the plasma membrane. As discussed in this chapter, cargo loading of EVs and their release into the extracellular space where they can be taken up by neighboring or distant cells plays an important role in physiology and pathophysiology. This chapter will outline specific mechanisms involved in the loading and enrichment of miRNAs, proteins, and lipids within EVs. As explained here, various external and biological stimuli play a role in EV release. Finally, recent studies have shown that the biogenesis, cargo loading, and release of EVs are governed by circadian rhythms. Although EVs were once thought to serve as garbage disposals of cells, the numerous roles they serve in physiology and pathophysiology are now being appreciated.

**Keywords:** extracellular vesicles, exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles
