What is the term for the process by which sperm and ovum unite to form a zygote?
fertilization
Fertilization occurs in the ampullary part of the uterine tube.
Where does fertilization occur?
ampullary part of the uterine tube
Specifically, in the lateral third of the tube.
What is the first step in the steps of fertilization?
Capacitation of sperms
This process takes about 7 hours to complete.
What happens during Phase I of fertilization?
Dispersion of corona radiata cells
Only 300 - 500 sperms out of 200 - 300 million reach the ovum.
What enzyme is released by sperms to disperse corona radiata cells?
hyaluronidase
This enzyme opens passages between corona radiata cells.
What is Phase II of fertilization called?
Penetration of zona pellucida
Sperms are drawn to the zona pellucida by specific receptors.
What triggers the release of enzymes like acrosin during fertilization?
Binding of sperm’s head to the zona pellucida
These enzymes dissolve a path through the zona.
Fill in the blank: Fertilization occurs in the _______ part of the uterine tube.
ampullary
This is the lateral third of the tube.
True or false: Capacitation of sperms involves the addition of a glycoprotein coat.
FALSE
Capacitation is the removal of the glycoprotein coat covering the acrosomal region.
