Fertility and Pregnancy

Question 1

AID Artificial Insemination by Donor

Answer 1

• Sperm is collected and assessed for viability
• The time of insemination is chosen when ovulation is imminent

Question 2

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

Answer 2

IVF occurs outside the body, usually in a laboratory glassware and the resulting embryo is implanted into the prepared uterus.

Question 3

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Answer 3

Follows the same process as IVF, except in ICSI the embryologist uses a microscope to select a single sperm that is injected into the egg.

Question 4

Totipotent stem cells

Answer 4

Have the ability to form the embryo and the membranes that will surround, support and nourish it. The early embryo before the formation of the inner cell mass.

Question 5

Pluripotent stem cells

Answer 5

Are capable of giving rise to most, but not all, tissues of an organism. The inner cell mass

Question 6

Multipotent stem cells

Answer 6

Are able to give rise to cells that have a specific function. Blood stem cells.

Question 7

Pathway of sperm

Answer 7

1. Testes
2. Epididymis
   3.Vas deferens
3. Ejaculatory duct
4. Urethra
   6.Vagina
5. Cervix
6. Uterus
7. Fallopian tube

Question 8

Barriers sperm face on their travel to the egg

Answer 8

1. Vaginal environment (acidity and cervical mucus)
2. Cervix (narrow canal and immune cells)
3. Uterus (muscular contractions)
4. Fallopian tubes (choice of tube)
5. Zona pellucida (eggs outer layer)

Question 9

Primary germ layers

Answer 9

1. Ectoderm
2. Mesoderm
3. Endoderm

Question 10

Ectoderm

Answer 10

The outermost germ layer. This will form the outer layers of the body, skin, hair and mammary glands.

Question 10

Mesoderm

Answer 10

Middle germ layer. Forms the skeleton, muscles and connective tissue.

Question 11

Endoderm

Answer 11

The innermost germ layer. It forms the lining of the digestive system, lungs and thyroid.

Question 12

Amnion

Answer 12

The first embryonic membrane to develop. It surrounds the embryo, enclosing a cavity into which it secretes amniotic fluid (which acts as a shock absorber).

Question 13

Chorion

Answer 13

Formed from the outer cells of the blastocyst together with a later of mesodermal cells. Surrounds the embryo and the other 3 embryonic membranes.

Question 14

Yolk sac and allantois

Answer 14

Form the outer structure of the umbilical cord.

Question 15

Placenta

Answer 15

Forms from both foetal and maternal tissues during the first 3 months of gestation. It permits ready exchange of gases, nutrients and waste between foetal bloodstream and maternal circulatory system.

Question 16

Umbilical Cord

Answer 16

Attaches foetus to placenta. Made up of 2 umbilical arteries, which carry blood from foetus to chronic villi, and an umbilical vein which carries blood from placenta back to foetus.

Question 17

Zygote

Answer 17

Fusion of the ova and sperm

Question 18

Blastocyst

Answer 18

Hollow ball of cells that surround a fluid filled cavity.

Question 19

Trophoblast

Answer 19

Eventually forms placenta

Question 20

Inner cell mass

Answer 20

30 cells on one side of blastocyst, pluripotent stem cells and develops into embryo.

Question 21

Fertilization

Answer 21

• Zygote formation
• Morula stage
• Blastocyst formation
• Implantation

Question 22

Fertilization

Answer 22

When a sperm successfully penetrates an egg combining their genetic material to form a single celled organism (zygote)

Question 23

Morula

Answer 23

As zygote continues to divide it forms a solid ball of cells called the morula.

Question 24

Implantation

Answer 24

Blastocyst sinks into endometrium and firmly attaches to uterine wall.

Question 25

Ultrasound

Answer 25

High frequency sound waves produce an image as waves reflect off foetus

Question 26

Blood tests

Answer 26

Blood test of mother, some of baby’s DNA can pass into mothers blood, screening not diagnostic.

Question 27

Amniocentesis

Answer 27

Medical procedure used to diagnose certain genetic conditions, chromosomal abnormalities, and fetal infections during pregnancy. It involves taking a small sample of the amniotic fluid, which surrounds the fetus in the uterus, for laboratory testing.

Question 28

Chronic Villi Sampling

Answer 28

Prenatal diagnostic test used to detect certain genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities in a developing foetus. It involves taking a small sample of tissue from the chorionic villi, which are tiny finger-like projections in the placenta that share the foetus’s genetic makeup.

Question 29

How diet affects foetal development

Answer 29

A diet lacking in essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to developmental issues. For example, a deficiency in folic acid increases the risk of birth defects.

Question 30

Teratogen

Answer 30

Substances that cause mutations in embryos.

Question 31

How illicit drugs affect foetal development

Answer 31

Interferes with the development of the foetal brain, potentially leading to cognitive deficits, behavioural issues, and learning disabilities.

Question 32

How Alcohol affects foetal development

Answer 32

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause a range of physical, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities known as FASD, which includes Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the most severe form. Symptoms may include: facial abnormalities, growth deviancies and cognitive impairments.

Question 33

How nicotine affects foetal development

Answer 33

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy, commonly from smoking, can significantly impact fetal development by restricting oxygen supply due to blood vessel constriction, leading to impaired growth. It increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, nicotine can harm lung development and is associated with respiratory problems, as well as long-term behavioural and learning difficulties in the child.