sperm capacitation
Pronunciation: spurm ka-pas-ih-TAY-shun
The biochemical changes sperm undergo to gain fertilizing ability. Essential for successful in vitro fertilization preparation.
Full Definition
Sperm capacitation is a series of physiological and biochemical changes that sperm must undergo in the female reproductive tract or in laboratory conditions to acquire the ability to fertilize an oocyte. This process involves alterations in sperm membrane composition, increased motility, and preparation for the acrosome reaction. In natural conception, capacitation occurs during the sperm's journey through the female reproductive tract. In assisted reproductive technology, capacitation is achieved through specialized laboratory techniques including sperm washing and incubation in capacitating media. The process typically takes several hours and is essential for successful fertilization, whether through conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection preparation.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with sperm maturation, which occurs during spermatogenesis; capacitation is a post-ejaculatory process.
In Context
- "Sperm capacitation was achieved using specialized media prior to insemination procedures." — Laboratory protocol documentation
- "The capacitation process enhanced sperm motility and fertilizing potential significantly." — Embryology report