the genetic material from a sperm cell (spermatozoon) and secondary oocyte merge into a single nucleus
fertilization normally occurs in the Fallopian tube 12-24 hours after ovulation
ejaculated sperm can remain viable for about 48 hours and a secondary oocyte is viable for about 24 hours after ovulation
peristaltic contractions and the action from the cilia transport the oocyte through the tube
sperm swim to the oocyte by whip-like movements from its tail
sperm produce an enzyme (acrosin) that stimulates sperm motility and migration
uterine contractions stimulated by the prostaglandins in semen aids sperm movement
sperm undergo functional changes (capacitation) in the female reproductive tract: the membrane around the acrosome becomes fragile so that several destructive enzymes are released
the enzymes help penetrate the ring of cells (corona radiate) that surround the oocyte
one sperm penetrates and enters a secondary oocyte, this is called syngamy
syngamy causes depolarization, which triggers the release of calcium ions into the cell
calcium ions stimulate the release of granules, that in turn, promote change changes in the zona pelllucida to block entry of the other sperm
oocyte completes equatorial division (meiosis ll)
the nucleus from the sperms head and the nucleus from the ovum fuse to produce segmentation nucleus
the segmentation nucleus contains 23 chromosomes from the male pronucleus and 23 chromosomes from the female pronucleus
the fertilized ovum is now called a zygote
rapid mitotic cell divisions of the zygote are called cleavage
cleavage is completed 30 hours after fertilization
successive cleavages produce a solid sphere of cells called morula
the morula is the same size as the original zygote
at 4 1/2 – 5 days, the dense cluster of cells has developed into a hollow ball of cells and enters the uterine cavity, it is now called a blastocyst
blastocyst remains free within the uterine cavity for a short period of time
blastocyst enlarges and receives nourishment from glycogen rich secretions from the uterine glands
6 days after fertilization the blastocyst attaches to the endometrium
usually implants on the posterior wall of the fundus
develops two layers in the region of contact between the blastocyst and endometrium, synctiotrophoblast and cytotrophobast
syncytiotrophoblast secretes enzymes that enables the blastocyst to penetrate the uterine lining, the enzymes digest and liquefy the endometrial cells
the trophoblast secretes hCG that rescues the corpus luteum from degeneration and sustains its secrestions of progesterone and estrogens, thus menstruation does not begin
I have been a certified dental assistant for the past 16 years. Over that time I have been interested in many of the healing arts. In 1993, I became a reflexologist and continued to study other forms of alternative health.
My passion for Homeopathy began when I was treated by a homeopath in 1998. I really resonated with the philosophy and treatment of homeopathy. Only after a few consultations I knew I had to become involved and help heal others. With restored health and a great deal of energy, I am driven to study this wonderful healing art.
I have successfully completed the first milestone in my homeopathic career by graduating from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy. I hope to write my Certification of Classical Homeopathy in the next few years. I am a member of the West Coast Homeopathic Society and regularly attend study sessions to stay updated and educated. I also attend local trade shows and educate the public on Homeopathy. I am recently married and reside in Langley with two cats and a golden retriever named Montana. My animals are wonderful homeopathic patients.