FERTILIZATION, CONCEPTION,

IMPLANTATION
Spermatogenesis
 Spermatogenesis consist of two process

1. Spermatocytosis

It is the process of development of spermatid from spermatocyte.

2. Spermiogenesis

It is the process of conversion of spermatid in to spermatozoa.

Oogenesis
The process of maturation of ovum is called as oogenesis
A mature ovum has the following layer
Outer layer: corona radiata
Inner layer: zona pellucida
 Fertilization

Definition
1. The process by which two gametes (reproductive cells having a
single, haploid set of chromosomes) fuse to become a zygote, which
develops into a new organism.
2. The process of fusion of male and female gamete in the ampullary
part of fallopian tube to form zygote.
3. Fertilization is a process that culminates in the union of the maternal
and paternal pronuclei, leading to the formation of a new individual.

4. Union of single spermatozoon with ovum at the ampulla occurring

24-48 hours after ejaculation in the vagina by sexual act is called
conception.
1. Transportation of gametes
2. Approximation of gametes
3. Fusion of the gametes
 Transportation of gametes
➢ After the ovulation fimbriated end of fallopian tube Sweeps over the ovary, the movement produce in to cilia , the ovum

is sucked in to the fallopian tube with ciliary movement and reaches the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
➢ At single ejaculation around 200million sperm deposited into the vagina in

that only 400-500 reaches the uteriné tube by contraction of the uterus wall

and the muscular contraction from the fallopian tube forms negativé

pressure and sucking the sperm or aspiration into the tube.

➢ It occurs 6-7 hours to transfer into the ampullary Part of the uterine tube
 2. Approximation of gamates
a. Capacitation

After the ejaculation the sperm cells go through several essential physiological changes
during their time in the female genital tract before they, at the end, are able to penetrate the
oocyte membrane.
• The first change in this cascade is capacitation.
Capacitation is a functional maturation
of the spermatozoon.
b. Acrosomal reaction
Activation of the acrosomal membrane cause release of hylurodinase, hydrolytic
enzymes, helps in removing the corona radiate, then Zona pellucida of ovum
Penetration of the Zona Pellucida
The constant propulsive force from the sperm’s flagellating
tail, in combination with acrosomal enzymes, allow the sperm
to create a tract through the zona pellucida
• These two factors - motility and zona digesting enzymes allows the
sperm to traverse the zona pellucida.
During acrosomal reaction the sperm plasma membrane fuses with outer
acrosomal membrane and it binds the zona protein there is zona reaction to
prevent polyspermy ie hardening of zona Pellucida
Sperm-Oocyte Binding
Once a sperm penetrates the zona pellucida, it binds to and fuses with the
plasma membrane of the oocyte.
The Zona Reaction

• an alteration in the structure of the zona pellucida

• critical importance of the zona reaction is that it represents the major block to
polyspermy.
This effect is the result of two measurable changes induced in the zona pellucida :
1. The zona pellucida hardens- Runner-up sperm that have not finished traversing
the zona pellucida by the time the hardening occurs are stopped their tracks.
2. Sperm receptors in the zona pellucida are destroyed. Therefore, any sperm that
have not yet bound to the zona pellucida will no longer be able to bind, let alone
fertilize the egg.
3. Fusion of nucleus

Egg Activation and the Cortical Reaction

Prior to fertilization, the ovum ie secondary oocyte egg is in a

quiescent state, arrested in metaphase of the second meiotic

division. Upon binding of a sperm, the egg rapidly undergoes a

number of metabolic and physical changes that collectively are

called egg activation.

➢ Prominent effects include a rise in the intracellular concentration of calcium, completion

of the second meiotic division and the so-called cortical reaction.

The cortical reaction refers to a massive exocytosis of cortical granules seen shortly after

sperm-oocyte fusion.

➢ Cortical granules contain a mixture of enzymes, including several proteases, which

diffuse into the zona pellucida following exocytosis from the egg.

➢ These proteases alter the structure of the zona pellucida, inducing what is known as the

zona reaction.
➢ Components of cortical granules may also interact with the oocyte plasma membrane.

The cell membrane disappear, nucleus enter into the cytoplasm.

➢ Secondary oocyte complete the 2 nd mitotic division and 2 nd polar body into perivitalline

space.

➢ Nucleus of both male and female unite to form pronucleus (Zygote).

➢ Cell division begins promptly after fertilization : human gene expression begins between

the 4 and 8 cell stages .

CONCEPTION

• Conception happens when sperm swims up through the vagina and

fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube.

• After conception the fertilized egg implants in to the uterus and

pregnancy begins.
Most of the early symptoms of pregnancy begin with the release of hCG
, detectable as early as 11 days after conception

Early pregnancy symptoms can include

• Breast changes

• Feeling of nausea

• Feeling tired

• Missing period
Development of the Fertilized Ovum
• Ovum Stage

✓ From single cell at fertilization the fetus grows to 6 billion cells at 38

weeks of pregnancy.

✓ When the ovum has been fertilized it continue its passage through the
fallopian tube and reached the uterus 3-4 days later.

✓ During this time segmentation of cell division takes place.

✓ Cleavage

The fertilized ovum divides into two cells, then into four, then 8, 16 and so on

until a cluster of cells is formed known as morula (mullberry).

• These divisions occur very slowly.

 Blastocyst:
• Morula expands with accumulation of fluid in it, is called blastocyst.
• At one side of blastocyst cells proliferate to form inner cell mass which
forms the embryo and amnion, umbilical cord.
• The outer layer of flattened cells of blastocyst is called trophoblast which
gets implanted into the endometrium and forms placenta and chorion
Implantation (Nidation)
• Blastocyst penetrates endometrial surface and stroma in between
glands by its histolytic action.
• Blastocyst enters into the compact layer of endometrium without any
bulging.
• Implantation occurs in the form of blastocyst
• Begins 6 days after fertilization
• Completed by 10 days after fertilization
• Development of the fertilized ovum
Stages of Implantation
1. Apposition

• 2. Adhesion

• 3. Penetration

• 4. Invasion
• 1. Apposition — The very first loose connection between the

blastocyst and the endometrium is called apposition.

2. Adhesion - During apposition, the blastocyste interacts with the

endometrial using adhesion molecules such immune cells, proteolysis,

cytokines, this is the strongest attachment.

3. Penetration — With increasing lysis of stromal cells the
blastocyst is burrowed more and more inside the stratum compactum
of the deciduas .

4. Invasion - Actual penetration and invasion occur through the

stromal cells in between the glands and is facilitated by histolytic
action of blastocyst. Invasion is further establishment of blastocyst
in the endometrium
Embryological and fetal development

• As a result of fertilization, the developing body in the female

reproductive system till 2 -3 weeks is known as zygotic development

• Whereas embryological development is considered in the period of 2-8

weeks

• Fetal development from 8 th week of gestation

 Trophoblast :

• When blastocyst embeds into endometrium, outer trophoblast cells

proliferate to form three layers the

• outer Syncytiotrophoblast which makes nutrients in the maternal blood

accessible to the developing embryo.

• inner layer cytotrophoblast which produces the hormone HCG

• Third layer mesoderm which develops to chorionic vesicle with its

membrane called chorion. It forms body stalk and umbilical cord
Chorion and Chorionic Villi

Trophoblastic cells lined internally with mesenchyme is called chorion.

Finger like projections of trophoblastic layer projects out on the surface of

embedded blastocyst is the Chorionic Villi.

Types of Chorionic Villi
Primary chorionic Villi: Solid trophoblastic layer by 12th day of fertilization.
Secondary Villi: Villi with mesenchymal lining by 16th day.
Tertiary villi: secondary villi with blood vessels. villi lying on the side of uterine cavity atrophy ( chorion
laeve) and disappear but those on the side of uterine wall show branching ( chorion frondosum) to form
placenta
iv) Decidua

This is the 5-10 mm thickened vascular endometrium of the pregnant

uterus. Endometrium during pregnancy is known as decidua

Structure of Decidua : It has three layers:
1) Stratum Compactum: Superficial layer containing decidual cells gland, duct.
In this layer blastocyst implants.
2) Stratum Spongiosum: Intermediate area with dilated glands. Through this
layer separation of placenta and membranes occur.
3) Stratum Basalis: Thin basal layer containing deepest portions of glands is
opposed on uterine muscle. From this layer new endometrium regenerates after
parturition.
Changes of decidua : After the embedding of ovum deciduas are renamed

1) Decidua Basalis: Portion of deciduas lying between blastocyst and uterine muscle.

This layer goes to form placenta

2) Decidua Capsularis : The superficial layer of compact layer overlying blastocyst.

3) Decidua Vera or parietalis : Rest of deciduas lining pregnant uterus except at the site of

implantation.
Functions

1) It provides site for implantation of blastocyst.

2) It provides nutrition to blastocyst by glycogen and fat it contains.

3) It is protective against penetration of blastocyst by ground substance containing

mucopolysaccharide.

4) It shares in the formation of placenta

5) It resists more invasion of trophoblast

DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYO AND FOETUS

• Along with the changes in inner cell mass, two cavities appear on each

side of the germ disc, amniotic cavity and yolk sac germ disk.

• Most of the tissues and organs are developed during this period.

• The embryo can be differentiated as human at 8th week.

• Major structures which are developed from the three germinal layers
a) Ectoderm:

• Central and peripheral nervous system, epidermis of skin, pituitary gland, salivary glands,
mucous lining of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus and roof of the mouth.

b) Mesoderm layer :

• Bones, cartilage, muscles, cardiovascular system, kidney, gonads, suprarenals, spleen, genital
tract, mesothelial lining of pericardial, pleural and peritoneal cavity etc.

c) Endoderm :

• Epithelial lining of the gastro intestinal tract, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, intestinal tract,
epithelial lining of respiratory tract and most of the mucous membrane of urinary bladder and
urethra.
Factors of Foetal Growth

▪ Genetic

▪ Maternal biological factors:

▪ Pregnancy weight gain

▪ Age

▪ Parity

▪ Nutritional status
• The growth and development of fetus is typically divided into

3 stages.

1. Pre embryonic stages ( first 2wks after fertilization)

2. Embryonic stage (2 -8 wks ) Embryogenesis.

3. Fetal stage ( 8wks to birth ) organogenesis

 Principles of growth and development of fetus

1. Development proceeds in a cephalocaudal direction (from head to foot)

2. Development proceeds from the basic to the more specialized

For example, the heart is initially a two chambered structure and its final four chambered
form develops later

3. Development proceeds in order of importance

It begins with the ‘more important’ organs for survival and the less important ones develop
later. Thus, the brain and heart are amongst the first organs to develop
1. Pre Embryonic stage :

• Begins with fertilization and occurs the first 2 weeks then after cellular division and
implantation occurs this stage.
Ist week development
1. Cleavage smaller cells forms blastomere.
2. 2 cells stage, 4 cells stage, 8cells stage, 16 cells stage,
3. Morula formation
4. Development of blastocyst —
Trophoblast and inner cells mass.
After cleavage morula is formed and the cells in the morula are binds tightly together is
known as compactation.
The fluid filled cavity of morula is known as blastocoel.
The process of development of morula in to blastocyst is known as blastulation
2nd week development
Implantation process
1. Formation of cytotrophoblast.

trophoblast further differentiates and invades maternal tissues.

Cytotrophoblast: Trophoblast is further differentiated into mononuclear cellular
(langhans layer)
Syncytotrophoblast : Outer multinucleated layer invasive fused cells (syncytium)
derived from cytotrophoblast. This breaks maternal capillaries, trophoblast lacunae
filled with maternal blood
2. Formation of Bilaminar layer. (Germ layer)

Inner cells mass of blastocyst differentiate into flattened cells, that comes to lie its free

surface. This is endoderm first formed germ layer.

Remaining cells of inner cell mass become columnar. These cells form the second germ

layer known as ectoderm.

Now the embryo in the form of bilaminar germ disc (having two layers).
3. Formation of amniotic cavity :

• A space appear between the ectoderm and the trophoblast. This space is known as
amniotic cavity filled by amniotic fluid or liquor amni. The roof in this cavity is formed
by amniogenic cells derived from trophoblast and while its floor formed by the
ectoderm.
4.Formation of primary yolk sac

Flattened cells arising from the endoderm spread and line inside the blastocyst
cavity. in this way, cavity lined on all sides by cells of endodermal origin. the cavity
is called as primary yolk sac
5. Formation of extra embryonic mesoderm
The cells of the trophoblast give rise to a mass of cells, these cells come to lie
between trophoblast and flattened endodermal cells lining the yolk sac and
ectodermal cells lining amniotic cavity, thus seperating from each other (separate the
wall of amniotic cavity and yolk sac from the trophoblast)

This mesoderm is called extra embryonic mesoderm because it lies outside the
embryonic disc.
1. extra embryonic mesoblast
2. amniotic cavity
3. primary umbilical vesicle
6. Formation of extra embryonic coelum
Small cavities appears in the extra — embryonic mesoderm gradually join ultimately one large space is formed.
This cavity is called extra embryonic coelam. With this formation extra embryonic mesoderm splits into two layers.
1) The part lining the inside of trophoblast and outside the amniotic cavity called Partial / Somatopleuric Extra
embryonic Mesoderm
2) The part lining outside the yolk sac and inside the trophoblast is called vesera or splancopleuric Mesoderm.
7. Formation of connecting stalk

The extra emboryonic coelum does not extend into the part of extra embryonic mesoderm

which attaches walls of the amniotic cavity to the trophoblast. The developing embryo along

with the amniotic cavity and yolk sac is now suspended in the extra embryonic coelum and its

attachment to the blastocyst only by its unsplit part of the extra — embryonic mesoderm form

its structure called connecting stalk.

8. Formation of chorion and amnion
Chorion is formed by the parietal extra — embryonic Mesoderm and the overlying
trophoblast.

Amnion is constituted by amniogenic cells forming the wall of amniotic cavity. These called
are derived from trophoblast.
III rd week development
I. Formation of primitive streak
At one circular area near the margin of the disc, the. cubical cells of endoderm
become columnar this area is called prochondral plate (it determine the central axis
of embryo) .
Soon after the formation of prochondral plate some of the endodermal cells lying
along the central axis near the tail end of the disc began to proliferate and form an
elevation that bulges into amniotic cavity . This cells are called primitive streak.
2. Formation of trilaminar germ layers (Gastrulation)
Intra embryonic mesoderm region of primitive streak pass sideway pushing themselves
between ectoderm and endoderm .

• These cells form the intra embryonic mesoderm which is the third germ layer .

• The process of formation of intra embryonic mesoderm by primitive streak is reffered as

gastrulation
3. Formation of notochord
➢ Cranial end of primitive streak becomes thickened. This thickened part of the streak is called primitive knot,
primitive node or Hensons node.
➢ A depression appears in the centre of the primitive knot. This depression ts called blastopore.
➢ Cells in the primitive knot multiply and pass cranially in the middle line between ectoderm and endoderm
reaching up to the caudal margin of the prochordal plate.

➢ These cells forms a solid rod known as the notochord process. These process undergoes several stages of
rearrangement ending in the formation of solid rod called notochord.
4. Formation of cloacal Membrane

• An area caudal (Tail) to primitive strak, where the Ectoderm remain in contact. Here the mesoderm does not separate
the ectoderm and endoderm. This region later form as cloacal membrane
5. Formation of the neural tube
Ectoderm overlying the notochord becomes thickened to form neural plate. Neural plate
converted to neural groove and then to neural tube.
Neural tube give rise to brain and spinal cord. Cranial enlarged part become brain and caudal
tubular part becomes spinal cord. The process of formation of neural tube is referred as
neurulation.
6. Subdivision of Intra Embryonic Mesoderm
The intraembryonic mesoderm now becomes subdivided into three parts.
a. Mesoderm, on either side of the notochord, becomes thickened and is called the paraxial mesoderm.
b. The mesoderm forms a thinner layer called the lateral plate mesoderm.
c. Between these two, there is a longitudinal strip called the intermediate mesoderm.
7. Formation of Somites.
The paraxial mesoderm now becomes segmented into cubical masses called somitomeres, which give rise to
somites (primitive segments).
The first somites are seen on either side of the midline, a little behind the prochordal plate. More somites are
formed caudally, on either side of the developing neural tube. Form somites dermis, skeletal muscle, vertebral
column and ribs formed.
8. Formation of the Intra Embryonic Coelum
While the paraxial mesoderm is undergoing segmentation to form the somites, changes are
also occurring in the lateral plate mesoderm. Small cavities appear in It.
These coalesce (come together) to form one large cavity called the intraembryonic coelum.
This cavity has the shape of a horse shoe.
9. Formation of secondary Yolksac.
With the formation of extraembryonic mesoderm and later extraembryonic coelum, the
yolksac becomes much smaller, it comes to be lined all round by cubical cells and t is then
called as secondary yolk sac.
4th week development

Folding of embryo
There is progressive increase in the size of the embryonic disc.

The head and the tail end of the disc (X,Y), however remains relatively close together.
Hence the increased length of the disc causes it to buldge upwards in the amniotic cavity.
With further enlargement, the embryonic disc becomes folded on itself at the head and tails
ends these are called head and tail folds

With the formation of head and tail part of the yolk sac become enclosed within embryo. In
this way, a endoderm is formed known as primitive gut (GI tract derived)
1. The part of the gut cranial to this communication is called foregut
2. The intervening part is called midgut
3. The part caudal to communication called hindgut.
• As a result changes in yolk sac becomes small and termed as definitive
yolk sac (umbilical vesicle)
The narrow channel connecting it to the gut is called the
vitcllointestinal duct (vitelline duc, yolstalk or omphalonic senteric
duct.
• An embryo folds on its self amniotic cavity expands and greater and
comes to surrounds the embryo on all sides.
• In this way embryo now floats in amniotic fluid fills with cavity
5th week development
Formation of umbilical cord

➢As the embryo grows, the area of attachment of the connecting stalk to becomes
relatively smaller.

➢Gradually this attachment is seen only near the caudal end of the embryonic disc.

➢With the formation of the head and the tail fold the attachment of connecting stalk
moves to the ventral aspects of the embryo.

➢It is now attached to the region of the umbilical opening.

By now blood vessels development in the embryo and also the placenta. These sites of blood
vessels are in communication by mans of arteries and veins passing through connecting stalk.

At first there are 2 arteries and 2 veins in the connecting stalk but later the right vein
disappears.
The amnion has a circular attachment to the margin of the umbilical opening and forms a
wide tube
1. Vitelline duct and remnant of yolk sac
2. Mesoderm (extra embryonic) of the connecting stalk.

This converted into gelatinous substances called Wharton’s jelly. It protects blood vessels in
the umbilical cord.

3. Blood vessels that pass from the embryo to placenta

Fetal growth and development
First trimester(1-12 weeks)
At the end of the first trimester, the following changes have or are
occurring
• All organs are formed& heart starts to beat
• Fetus becomes less vulnerable to the effects of most drugs, most
infections
• Facial features are forming, rapid development of brain
• External sex organs are visible, but positive sex identification is
difficult
• Well defined neck, nail beds beginning, nose, mouth and eyelids
become visible and tooth buds forms
• Rudimentary kidney excrete small amounts of urine in to the amniotic
sac
• Fetus can move specific parts of limbs.
• Fetus is about 2.9 inches long and weighs about 45 grams.
Second trimester( 13-26 weeks)
• FHS can be heard with a stethoscope
• Eyes remain closed and body growth accelerates.
• Vernix caseosa is protective to the delicate skin of the fetus
• Sex is obvious
• Looks like a miniature baby and moves freely inside the uterus
• Birth survival is possible
• Average crown rump length- 20cm weight- 560 gms
• Meconium present
• Production of lung surfactant
Third trimester (27-42 weeks)
• Skin whitish pink
• Sucking reflux stronger
• Eyes begins to open and close
• Skull is formed, hair in single strands
• Testes are in scrotum, if a male child
• Bones of the skull are firmer, comes closer at the suture lines.
• Lightening occurs
• Fetal Hb begins to convert to adult
• Fetus about 31 cm long wt- 3000 gm
• Kicks rapidly