Fertilization

Topic Content:

• Fertilization is the fusion of the nucleus of sperm with the nucleus of the ovum to form a zygotezygote is a fertilized egg cell that results from the union of a female gamete (egg, or ovum) with a male gamete (sperm). More. 

• Fertilization occurs internally in humans, the male ejects the sperm into the cervix and upper part of the vagina of the female during sexual intercourse or copulation in a process called ejaculation. 

• The sperm move rapidly through the cervix and uterus into the upper part of the oviduct. This movement is believed to be aided by the contraction of the muscles of the oviduct and uterus. As the sperm gets to the ovum at the oviduct, it releases acrosomal enzymes, which dissolve the cell membranes of the follicle cells and allow the sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida of the ovum. The sperm moves into the ovum leaving the tail behind. 

• The fusion of sperm with an ovum leads to the meiotic division of the secondary oocyte. The