Fetal-Maternal Medicine Flashcards
What are the different membranes involved in placental and fetal development?
Chorion, Amnion, Yolk Sac, Allantois
These membranes originate from the developing embryo and play crucial roles in nutrient exchange and protection.
What are the three regions of the decidua?
Decidua basalis, Decidua capsularis, Decidua parietalis
These regions are important for placental attachment and function.
What is the function of chorionic villi during placental development?
Facilitates nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus
They develop into primary, secondary, and tertiary villi.
What is placenta accreta?
Chorionic villi attach to the myometrium
This can lead to complications during delivery.
What is the primary function of the placenta?
To provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and remove waste products
It acts as a lung, kidney, and liver for the fetus.
What is the significance of the fetal endocrine system?
Regulates growth and development of the fetus
It interacts with maternal hormones for optimal fetal health.
What are the two main types of trophoblasts?
Cytotrophoblasts, Syncytiotrophoblasts
These cells are crucial for implantation and placental development.
Fill in the blank: The placenta is composed of _______.
Three organs: lung, kidneys, and liver
Each organ system performs essential functions for fetal health.
What is preeclampsia?
New onset hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy with proteinuria
It can lead to serious complications for both mother and fetus.
What is the difference between oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios?
Oligohydramnios: not enough amniotic fluid; Polyhydramnios: too much amniotic fluid
Both conditions can lead to complications during pregnancy.
True or False: The placenta has an immunologic function.
True
It protects the fetus from maternal immune responses.
What is the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
Maintains the corpus luteum and prevents menstruation
It is crucial for early pregnancy maintenance.
What is eclampsia?
Onset of seizures in women with preeclampsia
It is a potentially life-threatening condition.
What are the risk factors for abruptio placentae?
Trauma, smoking, hypertension, preeclampsia, cocaine abuse
This condition involves premature separation of the placenta.
What is the function of the placenta regarding nutrient transfer?
Facilitated diffusion, active transport
It allows for the transfer of glucose, amino acids, and other essential nutrients.
What happens during the rupture of membranes?
Breaking of the amniotic sac, indicating labor may have started
It can also increase the risk of infection.
What is the incidence of placenta accreta in the 2000s?
1 in 533 pregnancies
This is a significant increase from the incidence in the 1960s.
What is the role of the placenta in waste excretion?
Removes urea, creatinine, bilirubin, CO2
This is crucial for maintaining fetal health.
Fill in the blank: Placental insufficiency leads to _______.
Poor growth, preterm birth, stillbirth
Insufficient blood flow to the placenta can have serious consequences.
What is the significance of estriol levels during pregnancy?
Used to assess fetal well-being
It reflects fetal health and placental function.
What is the primary function of decidual cells?
Support placental attachment and function
They are filled with glycogen and provide nutrients.
What hormone levels are used to assess fetal well-being?
Estriol levels
Estriol is a form of estrogen produced by the placenta and fetus, and its levels can indicate fetal health.
How does the placenta protect the fetus?
It acts as an immunologic barrier
The placenta expresses HLA-G and Fas ligand, which help protect the fetus from maternal immune responses.
What is the significance of MHC I representation on syncytiotrophoblast?
There is no MHC I representation
This lack of MHC I helps prevent maternal immune detection of the fetus.