L83: Pregnancy and Partuition

Question 1

Relaxin is produced by

Answer 1

corpus luteum and placenta

Question 2

Marker of fetal wellbeing

Answer 2

estriol

Question 3

Although estriol is the major estrogen of pregnancy,

Answer 3

it has weak estrogenic activity.

Question 4

The placenta has limited capacity to synthesize cholesterol and relies almost exclusively on ______ as its cholesterol source.

Answer 4

maternal LDL

Question 5

Ferguson reflex

Answer 5

Cervical stretch induces OXY release from post. pituitary. OXY promotes prostaglandin release. OXY also promotes hemostasis of placental vessels. Prostaglandins promote cervical contractions.

Question 6

Let down reflex

Answer 6

OXY induced secretion of milk from nipples, in response to suckling or even auditory sounds (eg. baby crying). OXY induces contraction of myoepithelial cells and alveoli and smooth muscle of duct walls causing “milk letdown” for infant.

Question 7

The most dominant signal for partition is

Answer 7

Decreased progesterone, increased estrogen

Question 8

alpha adrenergic receptor

Answer 8

stimulates myometrial contraction

Question 9

beta-adrenergic receptor

Answer 9

inhibits myometrial contraction

Question 10

Aside from high estrogen:progesterone ratio, what other factors can precipitate labor?

Answer 10

Cortisol and catecholamines

Question 11

Does OXY initiate labor?

Answer 11

No. It plays a role after initiation.

Question 12

What does estrogen do to oxytocin receptors?

Answer 12

increases expression to potentiate the effect of OXY (myometrial contractions)