Fertilisation

Sperm ejaculated into the vagina

Alkalinity of semen neutralises acidic pH in vagina

Mucus allows sperm to swim through cervix

Wall of uterus has two distinct layers

Bulk of uterus wall consists of myometrium (a smooth muscle which expels foetus at birth)

Active muscular contractions during intercourse support sperm

Travel to oviduct in ?5hrs / survival rate of sperm ?48hrs

Endometrium is concerned with anchorage & nourishment of embryo

Sperm acquire ability to fertilise oocyte by removal of acrosome membrane proteins which takes ?6hours

Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube, whose walls are lined with ciliated epithelia & contain smooth muscles

Contact between sperm and oocyte is by chance

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