First week of human development

Male Reproductive System

Side View
17.1 Fertilization

Fertilization
• Fertilization is the union of the sperm and egg
to form zygote
• Egg is surrounded by an outer matrix called the
zona of pellucida
• Outside this matrix has a few layers of follicular
cells collectively called the corona radiata
– These cells had nourished oocyte within the ovarian
follicle
 Steps of Fertilization
• Steps of fertilization:
1. Several sperm penetrate the corona radiata
2. Acrosomal enzymes digests a portion of the zona pellucida
3. The sperm binds to and fuses with the egg’s plasma membrane
4. Sperm nucleus enters the egg
5. Sperm and egg nucleus will fuse
17.1 Fertilization

Fertilization
 Fertilization occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube and includes three
phases.

• Phase 1: Sperm penetration of corona radiata involves the

action of both sperm and uterine tube mucosal enzymes.
• Phase 2: Sperm binding and penetration of the zona pellucida
• Phase 3: Fusion of sperm and oocyte cell membranes
 Penetration of the zona pellucida

• Phase 3: Fusion of sperm and oocyte cell membranes

17.1 Fertilization

What prevents more than one sperm from

entering?
• The egg’s plasma membrane changes to prevent
other sperm from binding
– depolarizes
• Vesicles within the egg
– release enzymes that cause the zona pellucida to
become impenetrable and sperm cannot bind
17.5 Control of Reproduction

Some common birth control methods

• Barrier methods
• An IUD is a small plastic piece inserted into the uterus to
prevent implantation.
• Condoms (male and female) block fertilization.
• The diaphragm is a soft latex cup that covers the cervix so
sperm cannot enter the uterus.

• Sterilization
• Vasectomy consists of cutting and sealing the vasa deferentia.
• Tubal ligation consists of cutting and sealing the oviducts.

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17.5 Control
Someofcommon birth control methods
Reproduction Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.

a. Intrauterine device placement Intrauterine devices

uterus

cervix

female
condom

b. Female condom placement Female condom

Figure 17.14
Placement of birth
control devices.
c. Male condom placement Male condom
a: © Saturn Stills/Photo Researchers; b: © Keith Brofsky/Getty RF; c: © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Lars A. Niki, photographer 36
17.5 Control of
Reproduction
Sterilization
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.

uterine tubes (oviducts)

vas
deferens

testis

a. b.

Figure 17.15 Vasectomies and tubal ligations.

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