7. fertilisation & sperm components (lecture) Flashcards
what is the normal volume of semen per ejaculate?
2-4ml
what is the normal sperm count per ml of ejaculate?
20-200 x 10^6
what is the total sperm count per ejaculate?
> 40 x 10^6
2-4ml x (20-200 x 10^6)
how should sperm within a normal semen sample be?
> 60% sperm swimming forward vigorously
<30% abnormal morphology
what should happen to normal semen within an hour?
liquefaction within 1 hour
coagulation before liquefaction
what is oligozoospermia?
low sperm count
<20 x 10^6 sperm per ml
what are the sperm morphological defects?
giant head micro-sperm (small head) double head double body long head rough head abnormal middle piece (coiled body)
which glands are involved in secreting components of semen?
bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)
Seminal vesicles
prostate
what are the different percentage of semen component each gland is involved in secreting?
Bulbourethral glands - 5%
seminal vesicles - 60%
prostate - 25%
describe the semen secreted by Bulbourethral glands
5% total volume
alkaline fluid
mucous lubricates the tip of penis and urethral lining
why does semen need to be alkaline?
neutralise urine from male urethra and acidic secretions in female vagina (reproductive tract)
describe the semen secreted by seminal vesicles
60% total volume
alkaline fluid
fructose, prostaglandins, clotting factors
why is fructose require in seminal vesicles secretions?
ATP production
energy for sperm to move into vaginal canal –> cervix –> uterus –> fallopian tube
why is prostaglandins require in seminal vesicles secretions?
increase sperm motility
increase female genital SM contraction
what is an example of semen clotting factor and why is it necessary?
semenogelin
cause semen to coagulate
describe the semen secreted by prostate
25% volume milky, slight ACIDIC fluid proteolytic enzymes citric acid acid phosphatase
what are the proteolytic enzymes in prostatic semen secretion?
PSA, pepsinogen
why are proteolytic enzymes required in prostatic semen secretion?
breakdown clotting factors from seminal vesicles, re-liquefying semen in 10-20mins (post-ejaculation)
what is the function of citric acid within prostatic semen secretion?
ATP production
typically, which days does endometrial proliferation occur in uterine cycle?
days 7-14 when there is a rise in oestrogen
around which day does ovulation take place?
14
what is days 14-28 typically?
uterine secretory phase - oestrogen and progesterone released from corpus luteum
what is significant about uterine secretory phase (days 14-28)?
hospitable environment for fertilisation and implantation
what is the ideal site of fertilisation?
ampulla of fallopian tube
what stimulates uterine contraction?
oxytocin
where is the site of semen deposition?
vaginal canal
appearance of cervical mucus during days 7-14?
oestrogen only, so abundant clear non-viscous cervical mucus
appearance of cervical mucus during days 14-28?
oestrogen and progesterone
thick, sticky mucus plug
