The nurse explains to a preconception class that if only a small volume of sperm is discharged into the vagina, an insufficient quantity of enzymes might be released when they encounter the ovum. In that case, pregnancy would probably not result, because of which of the following?
A) Peristalsis of the fallopian tube would decrease, making it difficult for the ovum to enter the uterus.
B) The block to polyspermy (cortical reaction) would not occur.
C) The fertilized ovum would be unable to implant in the uterus.
D) Sperm would be unable to penetrate the zona pellucida of the ovum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sperm release enzymes that are crucial for penetrating the zona pellucida, the protective outer layer of the ovum. If an insufficient quantity of enzymes is released due to a small volume of sperm, sperm would struggle to penetrate this barrier, hindering fertilization.

The Nurse Explains to a Preconception Class That If Only