capacitation

(noun)

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

Related Terms

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.