5.10- Semen, Capacitation, and Key DAT Differences

Front: What is semen?

Back: Semen is the combination of spermatozoa and fluids released from the penis during ejaculation.

Front: What is capacitation?

Back: Capacitation is the penultimate step in sperm maturation and occurs in the female reproductive tract. It prepares sperm to penetrate the egg. The notes also describe it as the final maturation of spermatozoa needed for fertilization.

Front: Where does capacitation occur?

Back: Capacitation occurs while sperm are in the female reproductive tract, especially after exposure to secretions from the uterus and uterine tube.

Front: What changes occur during capacitation?

Back: During capacitation, sperm undergo physiological changes including:

• changes in intracellular ion concentration

• increased/altered motility

• changes in metabolism

Front: Why is capacitation important?

Back: Capacitation is necessary because it allows the sperm to become capable of penetrating the egg during fertilization. Fertilization cannot occur until capacitation has taken place.

Front: What DAT fact should you know about progesterone and sperm motility?

Back: The notes state that eggs release progesterone, which aids in sperm motility and increases the likelihood of fertilization

Front: Which process is continuous: spermatogenesis or oogenesis?

Back: Spermatogenesis is continuous, while oogenesis is discontinuous. This is a very common DAT distinction

Front: Which process begins before birth: spermatogenesis or oogenesis?

Back: Oogenesis begins before birth, while spermatogenesis begins at puberty.

Front: What mnemonic helps remember the path of sperm?

Back: SEVEn UP:

• Seminiferous tubules

• Epididymis

• Vas deferens

• Ejaculatory duct

• Urethra

• Penis
  The notes say to “pause before the V” for maturation.

Front: What is the complete high-yield contrast between oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

Back:
Oogenesis:

• begins before birth

• primary oocytes arrest in prophase I

• secondary oocyte arrests in metaphase II

• discontinuous

• produces one large functional cell and polar bodies

Spermatogenesis:

• begins at puberty

• continuous

• occurs in seminiferous tubules

• produces four functional sperm from one primary spermatocyte