MV Fertilization Stages Of Ovum Medical Reproductive 3D Model
The fertilization of an ovum (egg) involves several key stages:
- Ovulation: The process begins with ovulation, where a mature ovum is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. The ovum is viable for fertilization for about 12 to 24 hours.
- Sperm Transport: After ejaculation, sperm travel through the vagina, into the uterus, and up the fallopian tubes. This journey can take several hours to days.
- Fertilization: If sperm encounter the ovum within the viable timeframe, one sperm may penetrate the outer layer of the egg (zona pellucida). This triggers a series of changes in the egg to prevent other sperm from entering.
- Activation of the Ovum: Once a sperm successfully fertilizes the egg, it activates the ovum, leading to the completion of the second meiotic division, resulting in the formation of a mature ovum and a second polar body.
- Zygote Formation: The genetic material from the sperm and ovum combine to form a zygote, which is a single cell with a complete set of chromosomes.
- Cleavage: The zygote begins to divide through a process called cleavage, forming a multicellular structure as it travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
- Blastocyst Formation: After several divisions, the zygote develops into a blastocyst, which consists of an inner cell mass (that will become the embryo) and an outer layer (trophoblast) that will form part of the placenta.
- Implantation: The blastocyst reaches the uterus and implants into the uterine lining, marking the beginning of pregnancy.
These stages are crucial for successful conception and subsequent development of an embryo.