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Slideshow: Early Events

Fertilization Begins

#363, Slide 2 of 24

From The Biology of Prenatal Development.Buy Now

Note:

Fertilization begins when a single spermatozoon penetrates the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte. This event triggers a reaction called the zona reaction, which dramatically alters the outer membrane and prevents the entry of any additional spermatozoa into the oocyte.

Label Key:

1. principal piece of spermatozoon
2. zona pellucida
3. midpiece
4. neck
5. postacromial region
6. acrosomal cap
All ages referenced to fertilization, not last menstrual period.
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