Fetal Development and Genetics Flashcards
What is oogenesis?
- Process by which female gametes, or ova (eggs), are produced in the ovaries
- Begins before female fetus is born
Describe oogenesis in the female fetus.
start to undergo first meiotic division to replicate DNA, but stop before it’s finished
Describe oogenesis once puberty starts.
- hormonal changes stimulate the development of ovarian follicles
- each month (q28 days) 1 ooccyte completes first meiotic division
- results in:
- secondary oocyte (released during ovulation)
- small polar body (usually non-functional)
Describe oogenesis during ovulation.
- secondary oocyte is released from the ovary during ovulation
- if fertilization occurs, it will proceed to complete meiosis II
What is Spermatogenesis?
sperm formation
What is Spermatogonium?
primitive sperm cells (male gametes) produced in the testes at onset of puberty
Describe spermatogenesis during Meiosis I.
- primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I, resulting in two secondary spermatocytes
Describe spermatogenesis during Meiosis II.
- results in a total of two haploid spermatids from one secondary spermatocyte
- each primary spermatocyte, four sperms are produced
What is an ovum and where is it developed?
- mature egg released from the ovary during ovulation
- develops within a structure called the follicle
What is the function of fimbriae?
- finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes
- after ovulation, they help capture the released ovum and guide it into the uterine tube (fallopian tube) for potential fertilization
What is the corpus luteum and what does it do?
- the remnants of the mature follicle transform into the corpus luteum
- secretes progesterone (a hormone used to prepare the endometrium (uterine lining) for possible fertilized egg)
What are the two protective layers of the ovum?
- Zona Pellucida: surrounds the ovum, helping to protect the egg and facilitating the binding of sperm
- Corona Radiata: surround the zona pellucida and provide support and nutrients to the ovum.
How long does the ovum have before needing to be fertilized?
- about 24 hours after it is released
- after, it degenerates and gets absorbed into body or expelled during menstrual cycle
Describe quantity of sperm.
1tsp of semen = 200-500 million sperm
What does the tail of the sperm do?
- the flagellum is responsible for its motility, allowing it to swim toward the ovum
- contains mitochondria, which provide the energy (ATP) needed for movement.
What is the purpose of the head of the sperm?
- contains enzymes stored in a structure called the acrosome
- crucial for breaking down the zona pellucida, which allows for fertilization