capacitation

(noun)

A step spermatozoa undergo in the female reproductive track that renders them capable of fertilizing an oocyte.

Related Terms

  • Nondisjunction
  • fertilization
  • zygote
  • implantation

Examples of capacitation in the following topics:

  • Female Duct System

    • The secretions also promote capacitation of the sperm by removing glycoproteins and other molecules from the plasma membrane of the sperm.
  • Fertilization

    • The sperm must undergo capacitation in the female's reproductive tract over several hours, which increases its motility and destabilizes its membrane.
  • Semen

    • Once the semen enters the ductus epididymis, the principal cells (which contain pinocytotic vessels indicating fluid reabsorption) secrete glycerophosphocholine, which most likely inhibits premature capacitation.
  • Veins

    • Veins are also called capacitance vessels because they contain 60% of the body's blood volume.
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