fertilization

Flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sperm transport and fertilization process in reproductive biology.

Gamete Transport

The process through which sperm and egg cells are transported for fertilization.

Capacitation

The final maturation of sperm required to gain the ability to fertilize an oocyte, occurring in the female reproductive tract.

Acrosome Reaction

The process where sperm release enzymes to penetrate the zona pellucida surrounding the oocyte.

Polyspermy Block

Mechanisms that prevent fertilization by multiple sperm, ensuring only one sperm fertilizes an egg.

Zona Pellucida

The protective glycoprotein layer surrounding mammalian eggs that sperm must penetrate to achieve fertilization.

Oocyte Maturation

The developmental process of oocytes where they advance from a dormant state to being ready for fertilization.

Cumulus Cells

Cells surrounding the oocyte that produce hyaluronic acid to facilitate sperm penetration.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an oocyte, used in assisted reproductive technology.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A medical procedure where oocytes are fertilized outside the body and then implanted into a uterus.

Sperm-Egg Membrane Fusion

The merging of the membranes of a sperm and an egg, enabling fertilization and subsequent development.