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Animal Repro > Sperm Transport > Flashcards

Sperm Transport Flashcards

1
Q

Retrograde loss of sperm

A

The backward movement of sperm away from the female reproductive tract.

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2
Q

Privileged pathways

A

Specialized routes within the female reproductive tract that facilitate sperm transport

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3
Q

Capacitation

A

The process by which sperm become capable of fertilizing an egg

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4
Q

Hyperactivation

A

-An increase in sperm motility characterized by vigorous, irregular movements
-Increased flagellar bend amplitude, Asymmetry, Lateral head displacement, and Velocity

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5
Q

Rapid transport phase

A

-The initial phase of sperm movement through the female reproductive tract.
-Inviable sperm

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6
Q

Sustained transport phase

A

-The slower, longer-lasting phase of sperm transport
-Trickle-like movement of sperm from reservoirs into the oviduct
-Viable sperm

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7
Q

Sialomucin

A

-Low viscosity mucus that helps forward movement of sperm through privileged pathways
-A type of mucin that contains sialic acid and is found in mucus
-low viscosity

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8
Q

Sulfomucin

A

-High viscosity mucus that traps sperm and is flushed out
-A type of mucin that contains sulfate groups
-High viscosity

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9
Q

Know methods by which sperm and oocyte recognition occur.

A

-Chemotaxis: Chemo-attractants that may be present in follicular fluid in the egg. The ability of sperm to move toward and recognize specific chemical signals from the egg.
-Thermotaxis: 2 degree C difference between isthmus and ampulla. The ability of sperm to navigate based on temperature gradients.

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10
Q

Be able to list and describe barriers to sperm transport.

A

-Vaginia
-Cervix
-Uterus
-Uterotubal junction
-Isthmus and sperm reservoir

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11
Q

How does the Viginia, cervix, and uterus act as a barrier to sperm?

A

-Low vaginal pH
-Retrograde flow of semen
-Long uterine body and horns
-Leukocytic infiltration of sperm cells

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12
Q

How does the Uterotubal junction act as a barrier to sperm?

A

-Folds in mucosa: Results in dead ends
-Viscous fluid
-Removal of seminal plasma
-Removal of defective, slow spermatozoa

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13
Q

How does the Isthmus and sperm reservoir act as a barrier to sperm?

A

-Capacitation: Only capacitated sperm can fertilize
-Capacitated sperm die quickly unless they undergo acrosome reaction

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14
Q

Be able to describe how the concentration, motility and morphology (normal vs abnormal) of sperm changes as it progresses through the female reproductive tract.

A

-Sperm concentration decreases as it progresses through the tract
-Percent of motile sperm increases
~50% at vagina
~99% at ampullary-isthmic junction
-Percent of normal sperm increases
~60% at vagina
~75% at ampullary-isthmic junction

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15
Q

Be able to describe the transport of sperm through the cervix.

A

-Spermatozoa migrate along the walls and fold: Not through the lumen
-Cervical mucus
-“Privileged” pathways

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16
Q

Cervical mucus

A

-Vehicle for sperm
-Filter for seminal plasma
~Sialomucin
~Sulfomucin

17
Q

“Privileged” pathways

A

-Specialized routes within the female reproductive tract that facilitate sperm transport
-Low viscosity environment in the valley of the cervix that creates a privileged pathway for healthy spermatozoa.
-Removal of non-motile sperm
-Removal of some abnormalities

18
Q

Know the 2 portions of the female reproductive tract where a great deal of the seminal plasma is removed.

A

Uterotubal junction
Uterus

19
Q

Describe the uterine immune response following insemination including why it’s good and why it’s a challenge to fertility.

A

-Immune response to sperm is slightly delayed after insemination
-Gives the sperm cells a start to get through the tract
-Remaining sperm are destroyed by immune cells

20
Q

How are sperm able to overcome the barriers made by the Viginia, cervix, and uterus?

A

-Alkaline pH of seminal plasma
-Cervical mucus moves sperm along
-Increased uterine contractions: Late follicular phase
-Immune response delayed

21
Q

How are sperm able to overcome the barriers made by the uterotubal junction?

A

Waves of contractions

22
Q

How are sperm able to overcome the barriers made by the Isthmus and sperm reservoir?

A

Hyperactivation

23
Q

Be able to describe the purpose and characteristics of the oviductal sperm reservoir.

A

-Sperm bind to oviductal epithelium in the uterotubal junction or isthmus
-Functions:
~Maintenance of spermatozoa between the onset of oestrus and ovulation
~Synchronization of Sperm & Egg Transport In Oviduct
~Prevention of polyspermy
~Capacitation
~Hyperactivation

24
Q

Be able to list the barriers to oocyte transport

A

-Follicle wall
-Infundibulum
-Ampulla

25
Q

How does the follicle wall act as a barrier to oocyte transport?

A

Weakening of wall

26
Q

How does the infundibulum act as a barrier to oocyte transport?

A

-Expanded cumulus
-Fimbria
-Mesosalpinx contractions

27
Q

How does the ampulla act as a barrier to oocyte transport?

A

-Oviductal muscle contractions
-Cilia beat the oocyte to AIJ against flow of secretion

28
Q

Be able to describe how the oocyte is captured by the infundibulum and then transported down the oviduct.

A

-Expanded cumulus keeps the oocyte moving along
-Fimbria
-Mesosalpinx contractions
-Oviductal muscle contractions
-Cilia beat the oocyte to AIJ against flow of secretion
-Infundibulum -> ampulla -> AIJ -> Isthmus -> UTJ

29
Q

Know how ovum transport is controlled.

A

-Estrogen enhances alpha adrenergic receptors, Stimulatory, and Isthmus contractions increase
-Progesterone enhances beta adrenergic receptors, Inhibitory, and the Isthmus relaxes and allows embryo to go into the uterus

30
Q

Know what the “AI compromise” is and what happens if we inseminate earlier than that time or later than that time.

A

Earlier AI reduced fertilization rates and increased embryo quality

31
Q

Know how long it takes for sperm to be transported through the bovine tract to the oviduct.

A

4-16 hours

32
Q

Capacitation

A

-The process by which sperm become capable of fertilizing an egg
-Strips the seminal plasma coating and some surface proteins so the parts needed to bind to the zona pellucida are exposed
-These sperm die quickly without binding
-NOT fully reversible

33
Q

Hyperactivation

A

-An increase in sperm motility characterized by vigorous, irregular movements
-Increase sperm characteristics to move through cumulus cells
-Increase Flagellar bend amplitude, Asymmetry, Lateral head displacement, and Velocity
-Fully reversible

Animal Repro (22 decks)

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