Human Fertilization: Definition Simply put, the ...

Human Fertilization: Definition Simply put, the definition of human fertilization is the union or joining of the egg and the sperm, resulting in a fertilized egg, otherwise known as a zygote. But the process of human fertilization is very complicated and comprised of many steps and components necessary to achieve the ultimate result of human life. Read on to learn how such small things work together to make a fertilized egg. Process The process of human fertilization is a complicated one, but the egg and sperm will unite in the long run. Although technical in nature, you could also look at it as a journey to find the perfect match. The egg will sit waiting for one sperm out of up to 150 million that begin the race, and it will merge with that sperm to create human life. While the egg waits, the sperm race and compete to be the first to penetrate the egg. When the one sperm and egg finally meet, electricity fills the air. Seriously, electric signals are released. Although the details may not be so romantic, remember that it is the journey that counts. Human fertilization begins with a woman's menstrual cycle. This cycle prepares a woman's body for fertilization. About half way through this cycle, the woman's body is ready to begin the process of human fertilization. It is at this point that an egg cell is released, or ovulated, into the Fallopian tube. Inside this Fallopian tube, fertilization will take place. Human Egg Cell Diagram Human egg cell During intercourse, a man can ejaculate, or release semen into a women's vagina. There are up to 150 million sperm in the semen in a single ejaculation. The sperm travel to the Fallopian tube to meet the egg; however, the sperm have some big challenges ahead to complete this journey. For instance, the sperm have to complete this journey within 12-48 hours of the egg being ovulated, or else they will die. About 85% of the sperm are not properly structured for travel. This leaves only about 15% of the sperm to complete the journey to the egg. The remaining sperm will follow chemical signals given by the vagina and cervix, the opening of the uterus. The chemical signals will guide the sperm through the cervical mucus and up the lining of the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb and is where the baby will develop after fertilization. Only about 1, 000 sperm are left. After the sperm make it through the uterus, they face the challenge of picking the correct Fallopian tube. There are two Fallopian tubes, and only one contains the egg. The sperm that choose the correct Fallopian tube will finally reach the egg. This process, from ejaculation to the remaining sperm reaching the egg, takes about 20 minutes. At this point, there are only a few dozen sperm left that actually make it to the egg. The remaining sperm begin to surround the egg, and they race to be the first and only sperm to actually fertilize the egg. The sperm racing to be the first and only sperm to penetrate the membrane of the egg. several sperm surrounding egg To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Create your account Register for a free trial Are you a student or a teacher? You are viewing lesson 20 in chapter 31 of the course: High School Biology: Homework Help Resource 36 chapters | 434 lessons Ch 1. Science Basics: Homework... Ch 2. Basic Science Lab Skills: Homework... Ch 3. Inorganic Chemistry Review for High... Ch 4. Introduction to Organic Chemistry:... Ch 5. Enzymatic Biochemistry: Homework... Ch 6. Cell Biology: Homework... Ch 7. Requirements of Biological Systems:... Ch 8. Cell Communication: Homework... Ch 9. Metabolic Biochemistry: Homework... Ch 10. Cell Division: Homework... Ch 11. Nucleic Acids - DNA and RNA:... Ch 12. DNA Replication - Processes and... Ch 13. The Transcription and Translation... Ch 14. Genetics - Principles of Heredity:... Ch 15. Genetic Mutations: Homework... Ch 16. 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Human Reproductive Systems: Homework Help Male Reproductive System: Functions, Organs & Anatomy 7:41 Male Reproductive System: Accessory Gland Functions 6:51 Testicular Anatomy: Structure, Terms & Diagrams 7:32 Male Reproductive System: External Anatomy 9:20 Sperm's Journey from the Testes to Urethral Orifice 6:40 The HPG Axis: Hormones of Male Reproduction 13:24 Female Reproductive System: Internal Anatomy 8:14 The Uterus and Uterine Wall: Structure and Parts 5:50 External Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System 6:20 HPG Axis: Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle 13:39 Phases of The Ovarian Cycle: Overview from Puberty to Menopause 4:50 Follicular Phase of the Ovarian Cycle 10:05 Luteal Phase of the Ovarian Cycle 6:06 The Uterine Cycle: Phases and Endometrial Changes 7:53 The Uterine Cycle: Menses 6:23 The Uterine Cycle: Proliferative Phase 7:08 The Uterine Cycle: Secretory Phase 6:45 The Female Reproductive Axis: Coordination of the Brain, Ovaries & Uterus 11:14 Ovulation to Implantation: Oocyte's Path through Uterine Tubes 7:25 What is Human Fertilization? - Process, Definition & Symptoms 5:29 3:12 Next Lesson Organogenesis in Humans: Definition & Concept Organogenesis in Humans: Definition & Concept What Is Menstruation? - Definition & Cycle 3:15 Go to Human Reproductive Systems: Homework Help Ch 32. Ecology and the Environment:... The Environment, Levels of Ecology and Ecosystems 6:15 Ecosystems, Habitats and Ecological Niches 10:20 Food Chains, Trophic Levels and Energy Flow in an Ecosystem 9:33 Interspecific Competition, Competitive Exclusion & Niche Differentiation 10:02 Predator/Prey Interactions, Camouflage, Mimicry & Warning Coloration 9:23 Symbiotic Relationships: Mutualism, Commensalism & Parasitism 8:29 Populations: Density, Survivorship and Life Histories 11:53 Carrying Capacity, Migration & Dispersion 7:15 Dispersal, Colonization, and Island Biogeography 11:01 Conservation Biology, Habitat Fragmentation, and Metapopulations 9:46 Ecological Succession: From Pioneer to Climax Communities 10:38 How Introduced and Invasive Species Alter Ecological Balance 8:57 Biomes: Desert, Tropical Rainforest, Savanna, Coral Reefs & More 10:42 Biomes: Tundra, Taiga, Temperate Grassland, and Coastlines 11:55 Biogeochemical Cycling and the Phosphorus Cycle 8:20 Tundra Biome: Climate, Locations, Plants & Animals 8:26 Endemic Plants and Animals: Definition & Examples 3:49 Secondary Consumers: Definition & Examples 4:06 What Are Herbivores? - Examples & Definition 4:32 What Are Tropical Rainforests? - Definition, Plants & Animals 6:12 What Is a Biome? - Definition & Types 6:13 Population Biology: Definition & Example 5:57 Go to Ecology and the Environment: Homework Help Ch 33. Human Effects on the Environment:... Ch 34. Animal Behavior: Homework... Ch 35. Basic Molecular Biology Laboratory... Ch 36. Analyzing Scientific Data:... Feel Free To reach Ashwini Hospital Regarding Any Fertility Issues. We are the Best Fertility Clinic In Madurai.