Histology of the Male Reproductive System 5 Flashcards
Describe the process of sperm maturation and capacitation, where they occur, and the timeframe for all of the events.
1
Q
What are capacitation and decapacitation?
A
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Decapacitation
- glycoproteins tightly cover the sperm cell membrane in the epididymis and from fluids of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland
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Capacitation
- occurs in the female reproductive tract
- removal and cleavage of glycoproteins that cover sperm from the process of decapacitation
- allows the spermatozoa to bind the receptors on the zona pellucida
2
Q
Aside from capacitation, what are som eother biochemical changes that occur as spermatazoa mature?
A
- Increased intracellular levels of cAMP and calcium
- Many phosphorylation events
