Pregnancy Flashcards
What happens to a sperm cell when it encounter a secondary (mature) oocyte?
Capacitation occurs.
-Acrosome’s enzymes erode the ova’s zona pellucida
Once a sperm penetrates the zona pellucica, what happens?
The oocyte becomes impenetrable to other sperm
When does the secondary oocyte undergo meiosis II?
Once a sperm has penetrated the zona pellucica
What happens to the secondary oocyte during meiosis II?
A second polar body forms.
Eventually disintegrates due to insufficient cytoplasm
As the fertilized oocyte floats through the fallopian tube, what occurs?
The nucleus of the sperm and ova fuse, creating a diploid cell.
What happens to the resulting diploid cell of sperm and ova?
Undergoes rapid Mitosis
How long does it take the embryo to reach the uterus?
Approximately 5 days
Where in the uterus is the embryo implanted?
The endometrium?
Once the corpus luteum stops releasing progesterone, what has occured?
The placenta is developed and takes over these effects,
Once the embryo is implanted in the endometrium, what structures are quickly created?
Additional blood vessels to supply the fetus
Hormone released by the fetus after the placenta is established:
hCG
What does hCG do?
Maintain endometrium and inhibit FSH release
If pregnancy does not occur, what happens to the released egg?
Dies and disintegrates in fallopian tube
How long are egg cells fertilizable?
Approximately 24 hours
How long can sperm survive in the fallopian tubes?
3-5 days
