Male gamete (sperm) is small, mobile, and contributes genetic material. Female gamete (egg) is larger, non-motile, and provides nutrients. Fusion during fertilization forms a zygote, initiating development.
Trace the path a male gamete takes to fertilise a female gamete after being released from the penis.
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The process of fertilization involves the union of a male gamete (sperm) with a female gamete (egg or oocyte). Here’s a step-by-step overview of the journey of a sperm from release to fertilization:
1. Release from the Penis: Sperm are produced in the testes and stored in the epididymis. During ejaculation, they are propelled through the vas deferens.
2. Travel through Vas Deferens: The vas deferens is a muscular tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra. During ejaculation, sperm travel through the vas deferens and mix with other fluids to form semen.
3. Mixing with Seminal Fluids: Along the way, sperm mix with seminal fluids produced by the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. These fluids provide nourishment and help sperm move more effectively.
4. Release into Urethra: The vas deferens joins the urethra, a tube that passes through the penis. Sperm are released into the urethra just before ejaculation.
4. Ejaculation: Sperm are expelled from the penis during ejaculation. This is the moment when sperm are released into the female reproductive system.
5. Entry into Vagina: The ejaculated semen containing sperm is deposited into the woman’s vagina during sexual intercourse.
6. Navigation through the Cervix: Sperm travel through the cervix, which is the narrow lower part of the uterus. The cervix produces mucus that changes consistency during the menstrual cycle, creating a more hospitable environment for sperm to pass through.
7. Journey through the Uterus: Sperm continue their journey through the uterus, which is the organ where a fertilized egg will implant and develop into a fetus.
8. Meeting the Egg in the Fallopian Tube: Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes. If an egg is present in one of the fallopian tubes, sperm may encounter it and attempt to penetrate the egg’s outer layer.
9. Fertilization: The successful sperm that penetrates the egg releases its genetic material (DNA) into the egg. This fusion of genetic material results in the formation of a fertilized egg, known as a zygote.
10. Journey to the Uterus: The fertilized egg (zygote) starts dividing and forms a blastocyst. The blastocyst then travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
11. Implantation: If the blastocyst successfully reaches the uterus, it attaches to the uterine lining in a process called implantation. This marks the beginning of pregnancy.
The entire journey is complex and involves intricate biological processes that ensure the successful union of sperm and egg, leading to the formation of a new individual. Keep in mind that not every sperm reaches and fertilizes an egg, as many factors influence the success of fertilization.