Intro & Histology Week 1 Flashcards
What’s Anatomy and why does a Midwife need to understand it?
Anatomy refers to the study of the body’s structures, like the uterus, pelvis, and fetal skull, examining how these structures are physically organized and interconnected.
A midwife needs knowledge of anatomy to understand the positioning of the fetus within the pelvis.. etc
What’s physiology and why is it important for a midwife to understand it?
Physiology focuses on how anatomical structures work to support bodily functions, such as uterine contractions during labor and the hormonal changes that facilitate pregnancy.
Physiology helps her understand how hormonal shifts initiate labor and affect maternal and fetal health.
List the 10 Organ Systems of the body:
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Nervous System
Endocrine System
Cardiovascular System
Lymphatic and Immune System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Urinary System
Briefly describe the integumentary system
This includes the skin, hair, and nails, which protect the body from external threats and help regulate temperature. In pregnancy, skin changes are common, such as stretch marks due to the expanding abdomen.
Briefly describe the skeletal system
The bones provide structure and support. For midwives, understanding the pelvis’s shape and flexibility is key, as it affects the birth process.
Briefly describe the muscular system
Muscles work with bones to create movement. Uterine muscles are vital in labor, as they contract to help deliver the baby.
Briefly describe the nervous system
The brain, spinal cord, and nerves control body functions. During birth, the nervous system helps the body respond to pain and contractions.
Briefly describe the endocrine system : This system’s ______ play a significant role in regulating _______, such as those that trigger ____ or support ______.
hormones ; bodily changes
labor or support lactation postpartum.
Briefly describe the cardiovascular system
The heart and blood vessels work harder during pregnancy to supply both the mother and baby with oxygen and nutrients, crucial for fetal development.
Briefly describe the lymphatic and Immune system
It defends the body against infections. During pregnancy, some immune responses are suppressed to protect the fetus.
Briefly describe the respiratory system
The lungs and airways provide oxygen to the body. As the uterus grows, it can press against the diaphragm, making breathing more challenging for pregnant women.
Briefly describe the digestive system
This system breaks down food for energy. Pregnancy hormones can slow digestion, leading to common issues like heartburn and constipation.
Briefly describe the urinary system
The kidneys and bladder adjust to handle the increased waste from both mother and fetus, and frequent urination is typical as the uterus presses on the bladder.
List 5 items that are essential to maintain life
oxygen, water, nutrients, temperature, and atmospheric pressure
Define Homeostasis
the body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes
What are the 3 homeostatic control mechanisms? (Interdependent)
Receptor-senses environmental stimuli, sending the information to the integrating center.
Integrating center-generally a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, signals an effector (e.g. muscles or an organ ) to respond to the stimuli
Effector
A homeostatic control mechanism is the body’s process of maintaining _______ and _____ through feedback systems.
In midwifery, one important example of this mechanism is the regulation of:
Balance & Stability
blood pressure during pregnancy and labor.
Describe the process of homeostasis control mechanism :
(steps the body uses to control blood pressure in pregnancy)
Increased Blood Volume ⤵️
Blood pressure rises⤵️
Body detects change⤵️
Vasodilation and heart rate decrease⤵️
Blood pressure normalizes
Homeostatic imbalance is a disruption in the body’s ____ leading to a failure to maintain stable conditions necessary for _______
internal environment, optimal function
anatomical position
In this position, a person stands upright with their feet flat on the ground, arms at their sides, and palms facing forward. The head is directed straight ahead, and the body is in a neutral posture.
What’s the function of the cell nucleous? The nucleus is the control center of a cell, containing ______ that directs all __________. It holds _____, which has the instructions for cell _______,_______,______.
genetic material ; cell activities. DNA, growth, function, and reproduction.
What’s the function of the cell membrane? The cell membrane functions as a _______ that surrounds each cell, controlling what _____ & _______ the cell. It allows essential ____ & ________ to enter while keeping out ____ & ______.
protective barrier ; enters and exits
nutrients and oxygen
harmful substances and waste.
What is cytoplasm? cytoplasm is a _______substance inside the cell that surrounds the ____ and other cell structures. It provides a space where important cellular processes can occur and helps to ____&____ the cell’s _______ _____.
The cytoplasm contains _____,____,_____necessary for the cell’s activities.
gel-like ; nucleus
support and protect internal components.
nutrients, enzymes, and other molecules
What mitochondria and it’s role in the body? Mitochondria are often referred to as the _____ of the cell because they produce _____ in the form of ______ which cells need to carry out their ______. This energy production is essential for the ____,____&________ of cells.
“powerhouses” ; energy
ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
functions
growth, repair, and daily activities
