Embryology

Question 1

Recall the 4 cellular processes at work in embryological development

Answer 1

Proliferation
Differentiation
Reorganisation
Apoptosis

Question 2

Recall the 3 stages of renal development in utero

Answer 2

Pronephros
Mesonephros (meso = middle)
Metanephros (meta= after)

Question 3

Describe the location of kidneys as they develop

Answer 3

Ascend into the abdomen as they develop

Question 4

What is significant about the mesonephros pre-kidney structure?

Answer 4

This is where the mesonephric and paramesonephric ducts develop, that will eventually differentiate into the genital ducts

Question 5

Describe the arterial supply to the kidneys during embryonic development

Answer 5

Has to form and degenerate and reform as kidneys develop as they move up abdomen

Question 6

Where do the gonads originate from embryologically?

Answer 6

Intermediate mesdoerm

Question 7

What are the mesonephric and paramesonephric ducts?

Answer 7

Mesonephric = future wolffian ducts Paramesonephric = future uterine tubes, uterus and cervix

Question 8

At which week of development do the reproductive systems of male and female embryos begin to differ?

Answer 8

8/9

Question 9

Recall the 2 hormones that are produced in the presence of the SRY gene

Answer 9

DHT

Anti-mullerian hormone

Question 10

What is the developmental function of DHT?

Answer 10

Supports development of Wolffian ducts

Question 11

What is the Wolffian duct?

Answer 11

Duct that gives rise to male reproductive tract

Question 12

Where is anti-Mullerian hormone produced?

Answer 12

Sertoli cells

Question 13

What is the developmental function of anti-mullerian hormone?

Answer 13

Causes regression of paramesonephric ducts

Question 14

Where does heart development begin?

Answer 14

Outside the embryo proper

Question 15

Describe the first 21 days of heart development

Answer 15

First 2 tubes are formed, these fuse at day 21 to produce a single tube which can pump blood unidirectionally

Question 16

Where is the foramen ovale located?

Answer 16

Between atria

Question 17

What does the foramen ovale bypass in the foetus?

Answer 17

Right ventricle + therefore pulmonary circulation

Question 18

Where is the ductus arteriosus located?

Answer 18

Right ventricle and aorta

Question 19

What is the Tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 19

Aorta and RV connected causing transposition of vessels

Question 20

Recall 3 features of the tetralogy of fallot?

Answer 20

1. Pulmonary stenosis
2. RV thickening
3. Ventricular septal defect

Question 21

Recall the 5 stages of lung development

Answer 21

Embryonic
Pseudoglandular
Cannalicular
Saccular
Alveolar

Question 22

In which trimester is surfactant produced and why is this significant?

Answer 22

3rd

Prem babies have lung problems

Question 23

What is a genetic mosaicism?

Answer 23

Meiotic non-disjunction causing different cells within the body to have non-identical genetic makeup

Question 24

What is the most likely cause of spina bifida?

Answer 24

Folic acid deficiency

Question 25

Recall 3 severities of spina bifida

Answer 25

Only a spot of hair seen = SB occulta
Slight herniation = meningocele
Significant protrusion of meninges = myelomeningocele

Question 26

When does the malformation occur in spina bifida and what is the problem?

Answer 26

Around 4 weeks

Faulty neuralation

Question 27

What is a cleft palate?

Answer 27

Connection between the mouth and nasal cavity

Question 28

Recall 4 infectious agents that are common teratogens

Answer 28

Rubella
Syphilllis
HIV
HSV

Question 29

Summarise how illicit drug use can affect the embryo

Answer 29

Addiction once baby is born
SIDS
Seizures
Respiratory problems
Mental retardation
Pre-term deliver risk
LBW
Learning difficulties

Question 30

Recall 3 symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome

Answer 30

Distinctive facial features
Brain abnormalities
Cognitive defects