Reproduction, Lifespan, and IVF

This flashcard set covers key concepts of human fertility, sperm physiology, and the clinical processes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) based on Professor Karl Swann's lecture.

What is the defined 'Replacement Level' for the total fertility rate per woman?

$$2.1$$

According to the HFEA IVF data, what factor primarily explains the decline in fertility in older patients?

Oocyte/egg quality (as evidenced by higher birth rates using donor eggs versus patient eggs in older age groups).

At what stage of development does the number of female germ cells reach its peak of $7.0$ million?

$5$ to $6$ months after conception.

Approximately how many sperm reaching the female tract actually make it to the area around the oocyte?

$$\sim 10$$

During sperm capacitation in bicarbonate media, which two intracellular messengers increase?

$cAMP$ and $Ca^{2+}$

Which specific channels mediate the $Ca^{2+}$ influx in human spermatozoa in response to Progesterone and increased $pH$?

$CatSper$ channels

Which two hormones are used used to induce 'Super Ovulation' to obtain approximately $10$ oocytes per cycle?

$LH$ and $FSH$

At what specific meiotic stage is a human oocyte arrested when it is ovulated?

Meiotic metaphase II

What is the name and molecular weight of the sperm-specific protein that triggers $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations in all mammals?

$Phospholipase\,C(\zeta)$ ($PLC\zeta$), which is a $70\,kDa$ protein.

What percentage of all IVF treatments does ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) account for?

$$\sim 70\%$$

What is the specific term used for embryo cryopreservation in the list of IVF adjunct technologies?

Vitrification

What is the reported incidence rate of twins resulting from IVF/ICSI embryo transfers?

$5$ to $25\%$

According to the graph 'Aneuploidy in oocytes', what is the maternal age threshold where the percentage of aneuploidy in human eggs significantly increases?

$\ge 33$ years

What is the function of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

Progesterone prepares the endometrium for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.

What is the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ovulation?

LH surge triggers ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary.

How does the placenta function in the early stages of pregnancy?

The placenta supplies nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus and removes waste products.

What is the term for the process by which a sperm fertilizes an egg?

Fertilization.

What are the key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

What is oocyte maturation and where does it occur?

Oocyte maturation occurs in the ovaries and involves the growth and development of the oocyte before ovulation.

What happens to the estrogen levels just before ovulation?

Estrogen levels peak just before ovulation, stimulating the LH surge.

What role does cAMP play in sperm motility?

cAMP is a second messenger that facilitates sperm motility and capacitation.

What is the significance of capacitation in sperm?

Capacitation is a physiological process that sperm must undergo to gain the ability to fertilize an egg.

What is vitrification in the context of IVF?

Vitrification is a rapid freezing technique used to preserve embryos during cryopreservation.