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Human fertilization is the union of an egg and sperm, occurring primarily in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. [1] The result of this union leads to the production of a fertilized egg called a zygote, initiating embryonic development. Scientists discovered the dynamics of human fertilization in the 19th century. [2]
Sperm and ovum fusing. Fertilisation or fertilization (see spelling differences), also known as generative fertilisation, syngamy and impregnation, [1] is the fusion of gametes to give rise to a zygote and initiate its development into a new individual organism or offspring. [2]
Oocyte (or ovum/egg) activation is a series of processes that occur in the oocyte during fertilization. Sperm entry causes calcium release into the oocyte. In mammals, this is caused by the introduction of phospholipase C isoform zeta (PLCζ) from the sperm cytoplasm. [1] Activation of the ovum includes the following events:
Fertilization occurs when the sperm cell successfully enters and fuses with an egg cell (ovum). The genetic material of the sperm and egg then combine to form the single cell zygote and the germinal stage of development commences. Human embryonic development covers the first eight weeks of development, which have 23 stages, called Carnegie stages.
After fertilization, an embryo develops, nourished by nutrients contained in the egg. It then hatches from the egg, outside the mother's body. See egg for a discussion of eggs of oviparous animals. The egg cell's cytoplasm and mitochondria are the sole means the egg can reproduce by mitosis and eventually form a blastocyst after fertilization.
The latter undergo a period of proliferation and mucification known as cumulus expansion. Mucification is the secretion of a hyaluronic acid-rich cocktail that disperses and gathers the cumulus cell network in a sticky matrix around the ovum. This network stays with the ovum after ovulation and has been shown to be necessary for fertilization.
The ovum meets with the sperm cell: a sperm may penetrate and merge with the egg, fertilizing it with the help of certain hydrolytic enzymes present in the acrosome. The fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes, but can happen in the uterus itself.
An oocyte (/ ˈ oʊ ə s aɪ t /, oöcyte, or ovocyte is a female gametocyte or germ cell involved in reproduction.In other words, it is an immature ovum, or egg cell.An oocyte is produced in a female fetus in the ovary during female gametogenesis.