Embryogenesis and Fertility

Clamping Electrode

An electrode set in a logical circuit that allows current to pass in order to maintain a constant measurement in the recording electrode.

Resting potential

The electrical potential of a cell when it is not actively sending a signal, typically around -70 mV before fertilization.

Rheotaxis

Movement of sperm against the bulk flow of fluid, allowing navigation upstream to the egg.

Thermotaxis

Movement of sperm in response to a thermal gradient, typically toward a cooler environment around the oocyte.

Chemotaxis

Movement of sperm toward chemical gradients produced by the oocyte and surrounding cells.

Sperm Capacitation

Changes that sperm undergo in the female reproductive tract to become capable of fertilization.

Zona Pellucida

A glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte that plays a crucial role in sperm interaction and fertilization.

Izumo

A ligand on the surface of the sperm that interacts with receptors on the egg's plasma membrane.

Juno

A receptor in the egg's plasma membrane that binds to the Izumo protein on sperm, facilitating fertilization.

Polyspermy

The condition where more than one sperm fertilizes an egg, typically prevented by changes in egg resting potential after fertilization.

Gastrulation

The stage in embryogenesis where the inner cell mass transitions into a layered structure, forming the three germ layers.

Teratogens

Agents that can cause malformations in a developing fetus, impacting normal development.

Double Bohr Effect

Increased oxygen affinity in maternal blood as carbon dioxide levels decrease, enhancing oxygen transfer to the fetus.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

A condition where the fetus grows at a lower rate than normal, often defined as being below the 10th percentile in weight.

Fetal Doppler

A technique using the Doppler effect to assess blood flow and circulation in the fetus and placenta.

Umbilical Artery Doppler

A measurement that assesses blood flow through the umbilical artery by analyzing systolic and diastolic flow.