Exam 2: Fetal & Placental Development Flashcards
conception
the fertilization of the
female ovum by the male sperm
Fertilization
-when a sperm enters the ovum and their nuclei unite.
-Usually occurs in the outer
third of the fallopian tube. Takes 3 days for the zygote to reach the uterine cavity.
Implantation
-when the embryo buries itself in the upper segment of the uterine lining.
Pregnancy
referred to as gestation and lasts approximately 280 days (40 weeks)
Periods of Fetal Development
-Pre-embryonic
-embryonic
-Fetal
Pre-embryonic Period
Fertilization through the first two weeks. Period of the zygote.
Embryonic Period
third through eighth
week.
-Highly vulnerable to teratogens, viruses, drugs, radiation, or infections.
-End of 8th week, all organ systems and external structures are present and
unmistakably human
Fetal period
-Eighth week through the
fortieth week or birth. Viability now possible at 23-24 weeks after conception.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
1) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
(hCG): Stimulates corpus luteum to produce progesterone and estrogen
until the placenta assumes that function
estrogen
2) Estrogen: Produced by the ovaries during menstrual cycle. Placenta assumes production after the 6th or 7th week. Increases vascularity
Progesterone
3) Progesterone: Produced by the corpus luteum and then the placenta.
Most important pregnancy hormone as
it maintains the endometrium and
prevents abortion. Relaxes smooth muscle and maintains the pregnancy
Human Placental Lactogen
4) Human Placental Lactogen
(hPL): Increases availability of glucose for the fetus. Levels
increase steadily during
pregnancy
Relaxin
Inhibits uterine
activity, softens connective
tissue, relaxes pelvic joints
Ovulation
-Single mature egg
releases from ovary
and travels down the
fallopian tube for 3
days
-Oocyte remains viable
for 24 hours
Male Reproductive System
-300 million sperm released in each ejaculate
-Goal is to reach oocyte
-8-10 hours to reach egg
-Last up to 48 hours
Fertilization
Spermatozoa travel to
the ampulia of the
fallopian tube where
fertilization takes
place.
Where does fertilization take place?
Fallopian Tube
Zygote
-Contains all DNA
needed
-½ from the egg and ½
from the sperm
-Travels down fallopian
tube and divides
Blastocyst
-Zygote creates inner
group of cells with
outer shell
-Reaches the uterus
around day 5
-Implants on day 6
Placenta
-Continuous process
-Begins at fertilization
-Outer layer of
blastocyst becomes
placenta and fetal
membranes