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The Myths of Ancient Philosophers: Was Aristotle Right About Fertility?
In ancient philosophical discussions, fertility and the origin of life have always been a thought-provoking topic. With the development of science, the modern understanding of human reproduction has gradually evolved from the original ancient viewpoint to a more comprehensive scientific explanation.
Human conception is the union of sperm and egg, which mainly occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. This process leads to the generation of a fertilized egg and begins the development of the embryo.
Ancient understanding of fertility
In ancient times, the understanding of fertility was very vague. Hippocrates believed that the embryo was the product of male semen and female factors, while Aristotle emphasized that male semen was the only source of embryo formation, and women only provided a place for embryo development. This reflected an incomplete understanding of the reproductive process and gender role stereotypes at the time.However, it was not until the 17th century that William Harvey refuted Aristotle's view, stating that a woman's eggs were closely related to the outcome of sexual intercourse. In 1677, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek observed sperm for the first time, a discovery that brought the understanding of fertility to a new stage. In 1827, Carl Ernst von Baar first observed human eggs, and it was not until 1876 that Oskar Hertwig proved that fertilization is the fusion of egg and sperm cells.The "theory of representation" proposed by Aristotle advocates the gradual emergence of form and function. This view originated from the influence of the pre-formationist Pythagoras.
The process of fertilization
The process of fertilization is complex and delicate and occurs mainly in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. Sperm that have undergone multiple changes are attracted to the egg. These changes include an increase in the sperm's ability and motility to swim efficiently toward the egg.In the outer layer of the beak, sperm interact with the egg through coronal radiating tissue, a process that releases chemicals to guide the sperm. When the sperm reaches the zona pellucida of the egg, it triggers a reaction in the serosa and makes further entry into the zona pellucida difficult, thus preventing multiple sperm from fertilizing one egg.The sperm preparation process is the key to successful fertilization, because freshly discharged sperm cannot effectively fertilize and must undergo a series of changes in the female reproductive tract.
Gene fusion and cell division
As the sperm enters the cytoplasm of the egg, its tail and outer envelope gradually disintegrate, and gene fusion and cell division begin. In this process, the nuclei of two cells fuse to form a zygote with genetic characteristics.After this, the zygote will rapidly replicate its DNA and prepare to enter the first mitosis. During this process, the genetic material from the parents merges, giving the zygote a dual genetic combination.The fusion of cell membranes is the starting point of gene fusion and is closely related to the future cell division process.
The relationship between fertility and disease
Health issues related to fertilization cannot be ignored. Fertilization by multiple sperm can lead to an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo, which is one of the situations that is not feasible in humans. In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome, immune system diseases, and endocrine system disorders will affect the fertility process, thereby affecting the health of the embryo.The strong link between health problems and fertility illustrates the interplay between biology and medicine.
