Transport through the tube requires about thirty hours. The cilia within the tube and muscular contractions resulting from the movement of the egg create a forward motion. Adhesive sites on the cilia, which are located on the surface of the fimbriae, are responsible for egg pickup and movement into the tube. Following ovulation, the fimbriated (finger-like) end of the fallopian tube sweeps over the ovary. Motile sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days.Įgg transport begins at ovulation and ends once the egg reaches the uterus. The first sperm, however, are likely not the fertilizing sperm. The first sperm enter the tubes minutes after ejaculation. Once the sperm have entered the uterus, contractions propel the sperm upward into the fallopian tubes. The cervical mucus acts as a reservoir for extended sperm survival. During ovulation, this barrier becomes thinner and changes its acidity creating a friendlier environment for the sperm. The protected sperm with the greatest motility travel through the layers of cervical mucus that guard the entrance to the uterus. ![]() The seminal plasma is left in the vagina. This liquefaction is important to free the sperm so transportation may occur. The gel is liquefied within 20-30 minutes by enzymes from the prostate gland. Finally, the sperm must possess the capability of converting to a form that can penetrate the cell membrane of the egg (capacitation).įollowing ejaculation, the semen forms a gel which provides protection for the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. This environment, which is under cyclic hormonal control, must be favorable to admit the sperm without destroying them. ![]() The sperm must be capable of propelling themselves through the environment of the female vagina and cervix. The transport of sperm is dependent upon several factors.
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