Fertilisation & Getting Pregnant

Question 1

What is spermiogenesis?

Answer 1

The maturation of sperm from spermatids to spermatozoa, final stage of spermatogenesis, occurs in the epididymis, makes sperm capable of movement.

Question 2

What is capacitation?

Answer 2

The final capacitation of sperm that occurs in the female reproductive tract 6-8 hours after ejaculation, allows the sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction in order to digest the zona pellucida and enter the oocyte.

Question 3

What is the role of NO in erection?

Answer 3

Released from neurones into smooth muscle cells of vasculature involved in erection, causes relaxation and vasodilation.

Question 4

What is Viagra used for and what is its MOA?

Answer 4

Erectile dysfunction

Inhibits the degradation of cGMP in smooth muscle cells, allows the maintenance of an erection for longer.

Question 5

List some causes of erectile dysfunction.

Answer 5

Physiological - inhibition of spinal reflexes.
Anatomical - tears in tunica albuginea.
Drugs and alcohol in excess
Vascular

Question 6

Name the 4 stages of the human sexual response.

Answer 6

Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution

Question 7

Which 2 nerves are efferent that stimulate erection?

Answer 7

Pelvic

Pudendal

Question 8

What is the cortical reaction?

Answer 8

Reaction that occurs to prevent polypspermy/ensure that only 1 sperm fertilises the oocyte.