Fertilization

Nucleus Medical Media2 minutes read

During sexual intercourse, millions of sperm face various obstacles before only a few dozen reach the egg in the fallopian tube to eventually fertilize it and form a unique genetic zygote. This zygote then moves to the uterus where it implants in the uterine lining, growing and maturing for nine months based on inherited genetic characteristics.

Insights

  • Protective elements in the fluid of the vagina help some sperm survive the acidic environment, allowing them to navigate through the cervix, uterine contractions, and immune system cells to reach the fallopian tube.
  • Only a few dozen sperm out of the initial 300 million reach the egg in the fallopian tube, with one eventually fertilizing it, leading to the formation of a zygote with a unique genetic code that implants in the uterine lining, determining the genetic characteristics inherited during fertilization.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How do sperm reach the egg?

    Sperm navigate through the cervix, swim through cervical mucus, and push against cilia in the fallopian tube to reach the egg.

  • What happens after fertilization?

    After fertilization, the zygote moves to the uterus, implants in the uterine lining, and grows for nine months until birth.

  • What is the role of cilia in fertilization?

    Cilia in the fallopian tube help sperm reach the egg by providing a surface for them to push against during their journey.

  • How does the zygote develop after fertilization?

    The zygote develops into an embryo in the uterus, growing and maturing for nine months until it is ready for birth.

  • What determines the genetic characteristics of the baby?

    The genetic characteristics of the baby are determined by the unique genetic code formed when one sperm fertilizes the egg during conception.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Journey of Sperm to Fertilization and Birth"

  • During sexual intercourse, around 300 million sperm enter the vagina, with many dying due to the acidic environment, but some surviving thanks to protective elements in the fluid. The sperm then navigate through the cervix, swim through thinned cervical mucus, and face muscular uterine contractions and immune system cells before reaching the fallopian tube.
  • Inside the fallopian tube, sperm must push against cilia to reach the egg, undergo membrane changes to become hyperactive, and release enzymes to penetrate the egg's layers. Only a few dozen sperm out of the initial 300 million reach the egg, with one eventually fertilizing it, leading to the formation of a zygote with a unique genetic code.
  • The zygote, now a single cell, moves towards the uterus where it implants in the uterine lining, growing and maturing for nine months until birth, determined by the genetic characteristics inherited during fertilization.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.