Fertilization & Lactation

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the processes of fertilization and lactation as outlined in the lecture notes.

Fertilization

The process whereby a sperm and egg combine to form a zygote.

Capacitation

Physiological process of removing the protective protein coat from the sperm cell membrane within the female reproductive tract.

Zona Pellucida

A glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte, which sperm must penetrate to achieve fertilization.

Sperm-ZP3 binding

Initiation of the acrosomal reaction through binding of sperm to zona pellucida.

Acrosomal Reaction

A process where sperm releases hydrolyzing enzymes to dissolve the zona pellucida.

Cortical Reaction

A reaction in the oocyte that causes the release of enzymes to harden the zona pellucida.

Pronucleus

The nucleus of a sperm or egg cell that forms after fertilization.

Polyspermy

The fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm, which is prevented by the cortical reaction.

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin

A hormone that causes milk ejection from the breast and is stimulated by suckling.

Lactation

The secretion and ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Colostrum

A thick, yellowish milk-like substance produced during the first few days after childbirth, with low fat content.

Hormonal Control of Lactation

Lactation is controlled by both hormones (like prolactin and oxytocin) and physical stimuli (like suckling).

Suckling Reflex

Nerve impulses generated by nipple stimulation that stimulate prolactin release and milk ejection.

Dopamine

A hormone that inhibits the release of prolactin; its levels decrease during suckling.

Myoepithelial Cells

Cells surrounding the alveoli in the breast that contract to help expel milk.

Window of Opportunity for Fertilization

The period of 3 days surrounding ovulation where fertilization is possible.

Ampullary Portion of Fallopian Tube

The site where the sperm meets and fertilizes the egg.

Duration of Sperm Viability

Sperm can remain viable for approximately 2 days after ejaculation.

Duration of Egg Viability

An egg can remain viable for approximately 12-24 hours after ovulation.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone that regulates the release of FSH and LH; its production may be suppressed by breastfeeding.