Chapter 9: Interaction of Sperm and Embryo with the Female Reproductive Tract

Abstract

<p>During sexual intercourse, the male and female gametes are brought into the female reproductive tract (FRT). Life begins with fusion of an oocyte and a spermatozoon in the fallopian tube. Traditionally, most parts of the FRT are considered as a passive conduit for transport of the spermatozoa toward the ampullary region of the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs and transport of the preimplantation embryo toward the uterus. The most well-known functional part of the FRT is the uterus, which is the site for implantation and subsequent development of the implanted embryo. Available data show that there are active interactions between the FRT with the gametes and embryos to ensure successful fertilization and pregnancy. These interactions enable selection of the spermatozoa with fertilization potential in the FRT, support the development of the cleavage stage embryos in the fallopian tube, and regulate the implantation process in the uterus. This chapter focuses on these functions of the FRT.</p><ul></ul><p> </p>