Embryology Flashcards
At what phase of fetilisation is the male pronucleus formed?
The third phase of fertilization includes the process of degeneration of the sperm mitochondria and tail to become the male pronucleus.
Describe the sequence of oogenesis.
- oogonium,
- prophase of 1st meiotic division: primary oocyte,
- completion of 1st meiotic division: secondary oocyte and first polar body
- completion of the second meiotic division: second polar body and definitive oocyte,
- third and fourth polar bodies.
List some of the functions of the Zona pellucida
- Provides nutritional and mechanical support to the oocyte
- Helps in binding of sperm
- Protmotes acrosomal reaction
- Prevents polyspermy
List the four outcomes of fertilisation:
- Restores normal diploid number of chromosomes (46)
- Secondary oocyte completes meiosis
- The sex of the embryo is established
- Initiation of cell division (cleavage)
The rapid mitotic division of cells in a zygote is known as
Cleavage
What is the outcome of “cleavage?”
- Zygote undergoes rapid cell divisions with no overall growth, producing a cluster of cells.
- Different cells derived as a result of cleavage are called blastomeres
- Result is a compact mass/ball of cells called a morula
What are the normal sites of implantation of the embryo?
The fundus of the uterus, posterior wall of the uterus, sometimes the side walls
What is the outcome of implantation of the embryo in the fallopian tubes?
Ectopic pregnancy
What are the names of the three major germ layers in an embryo?
Endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm
What is meant by the “ovarian cycle”?
Development of follicles, ovulation, formation and subsequent regression of corpus luteum.
Define the approximate date of ovulation and describe the hormonal background!
• Around midcycle (14 days) under the influence of FSH and LH, triggered by a surge of LH production.
Describe the processes that make the spermatozoa capable of fertilising the oocyte
- Epididymal maturation: changes in metabolism, acquiring the capability for movement.
- Capacitation: a glycoprotein coat and seminal plasma proteins are removed from the plasma membrane that overlies the acrosomal region of the spermatozoa.
- Acrosomal reaction: Release of enzymes from the acrosome: a) hyaluronidase; b) proteolitic enzymes.
Name the phases of fertilisation and describe the reactions of the fertilised oocyte.
- Penetration of the corona radiata
- Penetration of zona pellucida
- Fusion of oocyte - sperm cell membranes
- The spermatozoon (except for the cell membrane) enters the cytoplasm of the oocyte.
• Reactions of the egg: cortical and zonal reaction; resumption of the second meiotic division; metabolic activation of the egg.
What is meant by cleavage and blastocyst formation?
- Cleavage: Formation of morula and then the blastocyst by mitotic divisions of fertilized ovum.
- Blastocyst formation: fluid begins to penetrate into the intercellular spaces of the inner cell mass. The spaces become confluent and a single cavity, the blastocoel is formed: the blastocyst.
What are the components of the early blastocyst?
- Blastocyst cavity
- Outer cell mass or trophoblast
- Inner cell mass or embryoblast
How does the endometrium change during the menstrual cycle?
• Stages of the menstrual cycle:
- Menstrual phase: rupture of blood vessels and detachment of the functional layer of the endometrium.
- Regeneration phase: regeneration of the functional layer
- Proliferative phase (follicular or estrogenic stage): gradual growth of the endometrium.
- Secretory (luteal ) phase: development of the compact and spongy layers in the functional layer. Secretory activity of glands, decidual reaction of stroma cells, formation of coiled arteries within the endometrium, edema in the stroma.
- Regression: temporary contraction of coiled arteries resulting in ischaemia of the endometrium. Consecutive dilatation of vessels followed by hyperemia of the endometrium.
Where is the preferred site of implantation? List few abnormal implantation sites!
- Normal: Along the posterior. and anterior. wall of the body of the uterus, between the openings of the glands.
- Abnormal: close to the internal os of the uterus; outside the uterus (extrauterine or ectopic pregnancy): any place of the abdominal cavity, ovary, uterine tube.
What is the difference between syncytiotro-phoblast and cytotrophoblast?
Cytotrophoblast: mononucleated cells that form the inner layer of trophoblast (Langhans cell layer).
• Syncytiotrophoblast: outer multinucleated zone of trophoblast without distinct cell boundaries.