Repro Flashcards

0
Q

Give one disadvantage of the migration of the primordial germ cells.

A

If they don’t make it can increase risk of later gonadal tumours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

The reproductive system arises from which embryological tissue?

A

Intermediate mesoderm - indifferent gonad

Yolk sac - germ cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does the indifferent gonad differentiate into male or female genitalia?

A

SRY gene expression from Y chromosome - male

Absence of SRY - female

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What hormone does the female gonad secrete during development of the internal genitalia?

A

Oestrogen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What hormones does the male gonad secrete during development of the internal genitalia? From which cells?

A

Testosterone - leydig cells

Mullerian inhibitory substance (MIS) - sertolli cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the action of oestrogen in the developing female internal genitalia?

A

Destruction of wolfian duct

Formation of genitalia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the action of testosterone in the developing male reproductive tract?

A

Growth of wolfian duct

Formation of genitalia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the action of MIS in the developing male reproductive tract?

A

Destruction of the Müllerian duct

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the development of the ovarian follicle at puberty.

A

FSH and LH lead to the development of an Antrum (fluid filled space). This leaves it capable of rupture to release an oocyte.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe days 1-12 of the menstrual cycle.

A

Day 1 bleeding.
Then Follicular/proliferation stage
Gamete waits in the follicle and lining proliferates

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When in the menstrual cycle does ovulation occur?

A

Day 12-14

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which hormones are produced by the corpus luteum and what are their effects on the menstrual cycle?

A

Oestrogen and progesterone
Maintain endothelium
Inhibin
prevent FSH stimulation of ovulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

When can spermatogonia begin meiosis?

A

After puberty

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What happens to the testis at puberty?

A

Seminiferous tubules hollow out and testes migrate through the inguinal canal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe the mechanism that allows so many sperm to produced at a time?

A

Spermatogonia undergo mitosis. One cell is used for proliferation. The other becomes an A1 spermatogonia which undergoes mitosis to for a a whole chain of 64 identical diploid cells. These undergo meiosis to produce 256 haploid cells each - spermatids. These mature to spermatozoa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What hormone is produced by the hypothalamus to stimulate the HPGonadal axis?

A

Gonadotropin releasing hormone

GnRH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which two gonadotrophs are released from the anterior pituitary in response to GnRH to stimulate the gonads?

A

FSH and LH

Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the action of inhibin?

A

Negative feedback onto FSH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Give two functions of testosterone in the male.

A

Irreversible - eg secondary sexual characteristics

Regulatory - eg negative feedback regulation of spermatogenesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How often is GnRH released?

A

Regular pulses every 90 minutes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe the levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen, inhibin and progesterone in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

A

Small follicle means low inhibin, oestrogen
No corpus luteum so low progesterone
Therefore no feedback and FSH and LH increase
FSH more than LH because it is used to having double inhibition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe the levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen, inhibin and progesterone in the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle.

A

Follicle fully developed and oestrogen reaches peak
Oestrogen so high it flips to positive feedback onto GnRH, overpowering the high inhibin
LH (and FSH) surges

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Describe the levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen, inhibin and progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

A

Corpus luteum secretes oestrogen and progesterone
Together with inhibin they inhibit FSH and LH
For 14 days these levels are constant till the corpus luteum dies and triggers a bleed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

On what gonadotroph does inhibin act?

A

FSH only

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is triggered by the LH surge?

A

Ovulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

When does oestrogen switch to providing positive feedback to the gonadotrophs?

A

When it is at a high enough concentration. This triggers the LH surge and ovulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where do the germ cells migrate through the body?

A

From mesonephric ridge - dorsal mesentery - inguinal canal - testis/ovar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

As the germ cells complete their migration to the testis, the spermatic cord picks up 3 layers of fascia. What are they and where do they originate?

A

External fascia - external oblique
Cremasteric fascia - internal oblique
Internal fascia -Transversalis fascia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What type of neoplasm is most common in the testis? Does it tend to be malignant or benign?

A

Germ cell neoplasm - seminoma or teratoma (malignant)

Not leydig or sertolli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What hormones stimulate and are secreted by sertolli cells? Where are they found?

A

Stimulated by:
FSH

Secrete:
Inhibin
Müllerian inhibitory substance

Inside the testis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What hormones stimulate and are secreted by leydig cells? Where are they found?

A

Stimulated by:
LH

Secrete:
Testosterone

Surrounding the testis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the rete testis?

A

Where the seminiferous tubules converge inside the testis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Where is semen produced?

A

85% in the seminal vesicle
Some from the prostate
Some from the bulbourethral gland

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

How are sperm moved along the tract from testis to penis?

A

Stereocilia on the epithelia

Gradually more and more smooth muscle along the tract

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is significant about the zones of the prostate?

A

BPH - transition zone. Surrounds the urethra so can affect urination.

Cancer - peripheral zone. Few symptoms so present late. More likely Palpable on PR exam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What passes out through the superficial inguinal ring?

A

Vas deferens
Lymphatics
Genitofemoral nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the embryological derivative of the broad ligament (female)?

A

The paramesonehpric (Müllerian) ducts fuse. Form a double layer of peritoneum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is enclosed by the broad ligament (female)?

A

Uterus, ovaries and the neuro vascular supply.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the name of the glands in the vestibule of the labia minora?

A

Bartholin glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is the ostium of the Fallopian tube?

A

Where it opens into the peritoneum - risk of peritonitis from pelvic inflammatory disease or sti

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Describe the three areas of the cervix. Where are neoplasms most likely in the cervix?

A

Endo cervix - simple columnar and goblet
Ecto cervix - stratified squamous non keratinised
Squamocolumnar junction - location of neoplasm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Describe the layers of the uterus.

A

Endometrium -stratum functionalis - stratum compactum
- stratum spongiosum
- stratum basalis
Myometrium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Which layer of the uterus grows during the proliferative period? Describe two processes that occur.

A

Stratum functionalis of the endometrium

Remodelling of spiral arteries
Hyperplasia of endothelium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What type of secretion occurs in the breast?

A

Apocrine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What types of cell are found in the follicle?

A

Granulosa - inside

Theca - outer shell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Where is the pouch of Douglas?

A

Rectouterine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is the difference between an sti and an std?

A

Sti includes asymptomatic

Std is symptomatic only

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Define amenorrhea.

A

Absence of periods.
Primary - never
Secondary - stopped

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Define menorrhagia

A

Heavy periods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Define Dysmenorrhea

A

Painful periods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Define oligomenorrhea.

A

Long delays/ irregular

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What types of cause would you look for menstrual dysfunction with the following hormone results:
Low FSH and low oestrogen

A

HPG axis
Primary - kallmann syndrome, prolactinoma
Secondary - exercise, stress, low bmi, thyrotoxicosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What types of cause would you look for menstrual dysfunction with the following hormone results:
High FSH, low oestrogen

A

Ovarian

Primary - Turner syndrome
Secondary - pregnant, menopause, pcos, tumour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What types of cause would you look for menstrual dysfunction with the following hormone results:
Normal FSH, normal oestrogen

A

Outflow tract

Primary - Müllerian agenesis, imperforate hymen
Secondary - asherman’s syndrome (endometrial fibrosis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Describe the pathway that leads to erection.

A

Parasympathetic nervous stimulation, ip3 pathway, nitric oxide, cGMP, decrease Ca, vasodilation of pampiniform venous plexus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Describe the pathway involved in ejaculation.

A

Sympathetic stimulation, smooth muscle, sphincter of bladder, bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus contract

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Describe the process of fertilisation - 3 points.

A
  1. Capacitation - sperm matures in the female
  2. Acrosome enzymes digest the zona pellucida
  3. Cortical reaction - 1 sperm enters and cortical granules block the gap in the zona pellucida
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

By what three mechanisms do hormonal contraceptives prevent pregnancy?

A

Decrease ovulation - combined
Increase cervical mucus - mini
Decrease endometrium - combined

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

How does Viagra work?

A

Inhibits cGMP breakdown, decrease in cellular Ca, increase in vasodilation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What percentage of sperm should be swimming?

A

More than 60

Less than 30 is abnormal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

What produces hcg? What does it indicate?

A

Syncitiotrophoblast cells. Indicates pregnancy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

What is the function of hcg? (2 things)

A
  1. Mimics LH to maintain the corpus luteum and therefore the pregnancy.
  2. Immunosuppressant to prevent rejection
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Name 2 functions of the hormone hpL during pregnancy.

A
  1. Increases insulin resistance
  2. Increases lipolysis

Both to free up more glucose for the foetus. The mother relies more on fatty acids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

What causes gestational diabetes? What is an important sign? Name 4 risks.

A

It is an extreme version of a normal physiological process. HpL increases blood sugar to provide more for the foetus but this can go a bit too far.
Abdo circumference > head
Risk of still birth, genetic defects, large baby, neonatal diabetes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Name 2 factors that raise the risk of acidosis in pregnancy.

A
  1. HpL increases lipolysis, so increase use of fatty acids, increase in ketones
  2. Kidneys are excreting extra bicarbonate to balance out respiratory alkalosis. This gets rid of the buffer so harder to self regulate if goes acidotic.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

Give a factor that raises the risk of alkalosis in pregnancy.

A

Physiological hyperventilation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Name 3 physiological effects of progesterone during pregnancy and their potential complications.

A
  1. Decreased GI motility - constipation, gall stones, pancreatitis
  2. Dilates ureters - increased stasis leads to uti
  3. Reduces BP - postural hypotension
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

What are the symptoms of pre eclampsia?

A
Vasoconstriction - high bp
Pitting Oedema
Proteinuria
Liver failure
( all because Inadequate placenta)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

How does the placenta develop?

A
  1. High Progesterone causes decidualisation - remodelling of spiral arteries in the endometrium to increase flow
    Pre decidual cells prevent too much invasion
  2. Implantion
  3. Primary, secondary and tertiary villi
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Describe the primary secondary and tertiary villi of the placenta?

A
  1. First projections of the trophoblast
  2. Invasion of mesenchyme
  3. Fetal vessels invade the mesenchyme and the membrane thins to one cell thick of syncitiotrophoblast
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Name 3 metabolic functions of the placenta.

A
  1. Glycogenesis
  2. Lipolysis
  3. Cholesterol synthesis - for making oestrogen and progesterone
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Name 2 endocrine functions of the placenta.

A
  1. Hcg and hpL

2. Oestrogen and progesterone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Name 3 active, 4 passive, 1 facilitated passive and 1 RME transport functions of the placenta.

A
  1. Active - iron, amino acids, vitamins
  2. Passive - water, electrolytes, gases, urea
  3. Facilitated passive - glucose
  4. Receptor mediated endocytosis - immunoglobulin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Which infections cross the placenta?

A
Toxoplasmosis
O
Rubella
CMV
Herpes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

What is the difference between asymmetrical and symmetrical growth restriction?

A

Assymmetrical - caused by decreased growth support, growth prioritises the brain so that head circumference is normal but abdo circumference is reduced
(Or opposite in gestational diabetes)

Symmetrical - caused by decreased growth potential so that both circumferences are reduced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

Where is GnRH released from?

A

Hypothalamus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

Where are FSH and LH released from?

A

Anterior pituitary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Why does only a small amount of FSH and LH have a large effect?

A

Released into the hypophyseal portal system where there is a small volume of blood so only a small volume of hormone will change the concentration a lot.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Which cells release oestrogen?

A

Theca cells release androgens which are converted and released by granulosa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

Which cells release inhibin in the male and female?

A

Male - sertolli

Female - granulosa

80
Q

Which cells release progesterone?

A

Corpus luteum and syncitiotrophoblast of placenta

81
Q

What are the two names for the early part of the menstrual cycle that comes straight after menses?

A

Follicular and proliferative

82
Q

What are the two names for the late part of the menstrual cycle that comes after ovulation?

A

Luteal and secretory

83
Q

What is another name for the wolfian duct?

A

Mesonephric duct

84
Q

What is another name for the Müllerian duct?

A

Paramesonehpric duct

85
Q

Name three fetal cardiac shunts and describe their role.

A

Ductus venosus - avoids wasting too much O2 on the liver
Ductus arteriosus - avoids deoxy getting back into the oxy via the lungs
Foramen ovale - avoids wasting too much 02 on the lungs

86
Q

What is the crista dividens?

A

Separates the deoxy flow from the oxy flow in the right atrium

87
Q

What are two functions of maternal physiological hyperventilation?

A
  1. Slightly raises the oxygen concentration in the maternal blood to help create a gradient for it to diffuse across the placenta.
  2. Keeps the maternal blood basic by preventing CO2 levels rising, because the fetal kidneys cannot neutralise acid.
88
Q

What is amniocentesis and what does it measure?

A

Take a sample of amniotic fluid and test
Measures renal and urinary function because foetus swallows the fluid, absorbs water and electrolytes and excretes the remainder.

89
Q

What causes neonatal jaundice?

A

The fetal liver cannot conjugate bilirubin and sends it to the mother to do. Normally triggered by light.
After birth if it doesn’t kick in right away, the baby can be jaundice for a short time.

90
Q

When is the first pregnancy scan and what is its purpose?

A

9-13 weeks
Date pregnancy and estimate due date
Check location, number
Can check Downs

91
Q

When is the second pregnancy scan and what is its purpose?

A
20 weeks
Genetic defects (except downs)
Growth monitoring - bi parietal diameter, abdo circumference, crown rump length
92
Q

What type of growth is mostly occurring during the embryonic period?

A

Placental growth

Cell differentiation

93
Q

What type of growth is mostly occurring during the early fetal period?

A

Protein deposition

94
Q

What type of growth is mostly occurring during the late fetal period?

A

Adipose deposition

95
Q

What symptom would indicate impaired renal function in a foetus?

A

Oligohydramnios - too little amniotic fluid volume

96
Q

What symptom would indicate a swallowing impairment in a foetus?

A

Polyhydramnios - too much amniotic fluid volume

97
Q

At what stage of development do fetal lungs become viable? Which week does it usually occur?

A

Terminal sac stage - week 26

98
Q

What occurs at the terminal sac stage of respiratory development?

A

End sac develop off the end of bronchioles, giving critical surface area. And surfactant is secreted from pneumocytes

99
Q

What is the cause of respiratory distress syndrome?

A

Not enough surfactant in the lungs at birth - they can’t stay inflated

100
Q

What is the function of surfactant in the lungs?

A

Lowers surface tension and allows the alveoli to remain inflated throughout the breath cycle

101
Q

When do the neurons begin myelination?

A

Late - week 36 and continue into adolescence

102
Q

What is the embryological derivative of the upper vagina?

A

Intermediate mesoderm

103
Q

What is the embryological derivative of the lower vagina?

A

Endoderm

104
Q

What is the function of the embryological mesonephric (wolfian) duct?

A

Primitive renal function

105
Q

What is the gubernaculum and what is its remnant in the male and female?

A

Cord attached to the gonad which helps migration of the testes

Male - scrotal ligament
Female - round and ovarian ligaments

106
Q

What hormones stimulate and are secreted by granulosa cells? Where are they found?

A

Stimulate:
FSH

Secrete:
Inhibin and oestrogen

107
Q

What hormones stimulate and are secreted by theca cells? Where are they found?

A

Stimulate:
LH

Secrete:
Androgens for granulosa to convert to oestrogen

108
Q

Outline the three stages of parturition.

A
  1. Creation of a birth canal
  2. Expulsion of foetus
  3. Expulsion of placenta
109
Q

What is the lie of the foetus?

A

The relationship between the long axis of the foetus and the long axis of the uterus.

110
Q

What is the presentation of the foetus?

A

Cephalic vs podalic (breech)

111
Q

What position should the foetus be in at birth?

A

Well flexed

112
Q

What factors affect the necessary diameter of the birth canal?

A

Lie
Presentation
Position

113
Q

What is the limiting factor for the diameter of the birth canal?

A

Pelvic inlet of innominate bone

114
Q

What are the boundaries of the pelvic inlet?

A

Sacral promontory
Superior pubic rami
Ilio pectineal line

115
Q

Which two hormones are important in inducing labour?

A

Prostaglandins - cervical ripening

Oxytocin - contractions

116
Q

What triggers labour?

A

Decrease in ratio of progesterone to oestrogen

117
Q

What four changes occur during cervical ripening?

A

Decrease collagen
Increase glycosaminoglycans
Increase Nitric oxide
Increase inflammatory cells

118
Q

What causes Brixton hicks?

A

Myometrium is usually spontaneously motile because it contains some pacemaker cells. But usually low amplitude, high frequency. As pregnancy continues amplitude increases and frequency decreases.

119
Q

Why is it important to monitor fetal heart rate?

A

Contractions steal blood supply from placenta. As they increase in strength this increases. If labour takes to long the fetal heart rate can decrease.

120
Q

How does the foetus move as it is expelled from the birth canal?

A

Flexes, extends, rotates

121
Q

What is post partum haemorrhage? What are the two most common causes?

A

Excessive blood loss after labour.

Caused by atony of uterus or retained placenta

122
Q

What physiological process reduces the risk of post partum haemorrhage?

A

Contractions of the uterus which expel the placenta compress the blood vessels.

123
Q

Which part of the breasts are developed at birth?

A

Few ducts only

124
Q

What happens to the breasts at puberty? What drives this change?

A

Increase in oestrogen and progesterone leads to:

Ducts sprout and branch
Acini develop
Breast size increases and some oedema at each period

125
Q

How do the breasts change during pregnancy? What drives this change?

A

Increase in progesterone:oestrogen ratio.

Drives hypertrophy and cell differentiation but not secretion.

126
Q

What processes drive milk production in the breast?

A

Decrease in oestrogen and progesterone.

Suckling - hypothalamus decreases dopamine - anterior pituitary increases prolactin

127
Q

What is the initial milk produced by the breast known as? Why is it so good for the baby?

A

Colostrum.
Contains high concentrations of immunoglobulin which can be directly absorbed by the newborn gut. (Mature gut would digest)

Combined with placental immunoglobulin it confers passive immunity

128
Q

If a baby only suckles for a short time, how will this affect the next feed and why?

A

Decrease suckling, decreases dopamine reduction, prolactin is still inhibited. Less prolactin and less milk for the next feed.

129
Q

What is the process by which milk is expressed?

A

Let down reflex.

Suckling (or anticipation of suckling) - posterior pituitary increases oxytocin - myoepithelial cells contract

130
Q

If a baby stops suckling altogether, what is the effect on lactation?

A

No suckling - turgor in breast - compressed blood vessels - milk production ceases

131
Q

Describe the long and short term effects of suckling on the breast.

A

Long term
Decrease dopamine, increase prolactin, produce milk for next feed

Short term
Increase oxytocin, myoepithelia contract, let down milk

132
Q

List three benefits of breast feeding.

A

Bonding
Passive immunity transfer
Free!

133
Q

Describe one complication of breast feeding.

A

Acute mastitis
Staphylococcus aureus infection enters by nipple cracks. Pyrexia, pain, cyst, erythema. Treat by expressing milk and antibiotics.

134
Q

What kind of pain in the breast would be concerning?

A

Non cyclical and focal

135
Q

What kind of mass would be concerning?

A

Hard, fixed, craggy border, orange peel skin

136
Q

What kind of nipple discharge would be concerning?

A

Spontaneous and unilateral

137
Q

What is a mammogram? Why is it only useful in older women?

A

Breast x-Ray.
Younger women have more glandular tissue which clouds the picture.
Older women have more adipose which is easier to see past.

138
Q

What are you looking for in a mammogram?

A

Densities and calcifications

139
Q

Name three completely benign breast diseases.

A

Fibrocystic change
Fibroadenoma
Fat necrosis

140
Q

What is the most common breast problem?

A

Fibrocystic change. Half of women will experience.

141
Q

How would you identify fibrocystic change?

A

Collapses on fine needle aspiration.

142
Q

When a woman presents with a breast lump, what must always be done?

A

Send to histology and cytology.

143
Q

Name three types of breast carcinoma

A
  1. Ductal carcinoma in situ. —– if extends to nipple Paget’s disease
  2. Ductal invasive carcinoma
  3. Lobular invasive carcinoma
144
Q

What are the risk factors for breast carcinoma?

A

Familial - mutation in BRCA 1 and 2 gene, or p53

Prolonged high oestrogen levels - obesity, uninterrupted menses, early menarche, transsexual, late first pregnancy.

145
Q

Where does breast carcinoma tend to spread?

A

Lymph in ipsilateral axilla

Blood to bone (or liver, lung, brain)

146
Q

What test would tell you if a women would benefit from chemotherapy?

A

Genetic marker test.
17 genes including HER2 and oestrogen receptor, indicate a high risk of metastasis. Chemotherapy is only worth the risk in these patients.

147
Q

Why is it important to know if a breast carcinoma is HER2 positive or oestrogen receptor positive?

A

To guide treatment.

Oestrogen receptor positive - tamoxifen to decrease oestrogen
HER2 receptor positive - herceptin to decrease epidermal growth factor

148
Q

What is sentinel lymph node biopsy? Why is it preferable to removing all of the lymph nodes?

A

Removal of one or two nodes which are first reached by metastasis to prevent spread
Removal of all causes lymphoedema in the arm.

149
Q

Give some risk factors of cervical cancer.

A

HPV 16 and 18

And things which are associated with high levels of oestrogen 
Eg. Early pregnancy
Multiple births
Long term pill
Obesity
150
Q

How does HPV give rise to cervical cancer?

A

Enters keratinocytes in the basal layer of stratified epithelium by receptor mediated endocytosis. Releases proteins e6 and e7 which downregulate tumour suppressor genes p53 and pRb.

151
Q

In some cancers the pill is a risk factor and in others it is protective. Which are they?

A

Risk factor in areas it increases turnover: cervix, breast and vulva

Protective in areas it decreases turnover: endometrium, ovary

152
Q

What is meant by the CIN grading system?

A

CIN grades 1, 2, and 3 describe increasing levels of dysplasia in cervical cancer. By level 3 it is probably carcinoma in situ but it is difficult to tell. So treat 2 and 3 with a cone/loop excision.

153
Q

What is the most common type of cervical cancer?

A

Squamous cell carcinoma of the transition zone

154
Q

What is the treatment for an invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix?

A

Hysterectomy

Lymph node dissection

155
Q

Where does cervical cancer tend to spread?

A

Nearby good “soil” eg bladder, rectum, vagina.

Lymph: para aortic, pelvic, para cervical

156
Q

Which cancers have a screening program?

A

Breast
Bowel
Cervix

157
Q

Give some risk factors of endometrial cancer.

A

Advancing age

Increased exposure to unopposed oestrogen:
Eg HRT
Obesity
Tamoxifen (pro oestrogen in this area)

(Pill is protective)

158
Q

Describe the histological appearance of endometrial cancer.

A

Hyperplasia

Increased gland to stromal ratio

159
Q

What are the effects of tamoxifen across the body?

A

Anti oestrogen in breast,

Pro oestrogen in the endometrium and bone

160
Q

What are the two types of cancer in the endometrium? Give a brief description and indicate which is more common.

A
Endometrioid adenocarcinoma (common)
Mimics normal endometrium. Causes direct invasion with lymph spread. 
Serous adenocarcinoma (rare)
Poor differentiation, very aggressive. Falls apart and spreads to peritoneum.
161
Q

What is the most common cause of a tumour in the myometrium? Give a brief description of the symptoms.

A

Leiomyoma (fibroids)
May be asymptomatic or press on nearby structures: incontinence, irregular/ heavy periods.
Does not lead to malignancy.

162
Q

Give some risk factors for vulval cancer.

A

Same as cervical

HPV 16
Increased oestrogen: 
Eg early pregnancy 
Multiple births 
Long term pill
Obesity
163
Q

How does early benign vulval neoplasia present?

A

Vulval intra epithelial squamous neoplastic lesions

Dark lesions associated with HPV and therefore keratinocytes.

164
Q

Which two cancers can be identified by increased levels of biomarker hcg?

A

Testicular

Gestational choriocarcinoma

165
Q

What are the two types of gestational cancer?

A

Invasive molar pregnancy - oedema filled villi, loss of genetic material in foetus. Invades uterine wall and risk of rupture

Choriocarcinoma - cancer of trophoblasts so increased hcg. No villi

166
Q

Which biomarker can identify ovarian cancer?

A

CA 125

167
Q

What are the four general types of ovarian cancer?

A

Müllerian
Teratoma
Sex cord stromal
Metastases

168
Q

What are 3 types of Müllerian ovarian tumour?

A

Serous
Mucinous
Endometrioid

169
Q

What are the 3 types of teratoma in the ovary? Which are malignant? Which are most common?

A

Mature - common and benign
Immature - rare and malignant
Mono dermal - eg struma ovarii

170
Q

What is struma ovarii?

A

A benign monodermal ovarian tumour made of thyroid tissue. Secretes thyroid hormone and can cause hyperthyroid.

171
Q

What are the 2 types of sex cord stromal ovarian tumour? What type of cell are they constituted of?

A

Masculinising - Leydig cells

Feminising - theca and granulosa cells

172
Q

Where does ovarian cancer tend to metastasise from?

A

Rest of repro tract and breast

Stomach - Krukenberg tumour

173
Q

Give some risk factors for ovarian cancer

A

Increased ovulation - no pregnancy, early menarche, late menopause
BRCA 1 and 2
Smoking

(Pill is protective)

174
Q

Which type of ovarian cancer will rarely metastasise?

A

Teratoma

175
Q

When is a teratoma likely to be malignant?

A

In the testis

176
Q

How does the copper IUD prevent conception?

A

Stops endometrial prostaglandin release to prevent implantation.

176
Q

What are the primary mechanisms of action of the combined and mini pills?

A

Combined mimics luteal phase to prevent ovulation

Mini induces thick, acidic cervical mucus

176
Q

Why can an ectopic pregnancy cause so much bleeding/rupture?

A

Normally implants in the ampulla of the Fallopian tube (or peritoneum) where there are no pre decidual cells. Invasion goes unchecked and causes excessive bleeding and rupture.

176
Q

What are the names of the two sides of the placenta?

A

Maternal - decidual plate

Fetal - chorionic plate

176
Q

Where is an epidural given?

A

L1

176
Q

Describe the cervical mucus at different stages of the menstrual cycle.

A

Proliferative - alkali and thin

Secretory - acidic and thick

176
Q

What are the best ways to measure a foetus in trimester 1 and 2/3?

A
  1. Crown rump length

2/3. Bi parietal diameter or symphysis fundal height (difficult if moving or in a lateral lie)

176
Q

How is amniotic fluid initially produced?

A

Maternal fluids and the extra cellular fluid of the fetus through their Unkeratinised skin.

176
Q

Where is the correct place to make a c section incision? Why?

A

Arcuate line

Where there is 1 less layer of fascia because their is no posterior rectus sheath

177
Q

Give 4 possible causes of precocious puberty.

A

Pineal gland tumour - increase melatonin
Meningitis
Gnrh secreting tumour
Idiopathic

178
Q

If an ectopic pregnancy in the Fallopian tube were to rupture, which arteries would be implicated?

A

Ovarian and uterine

179
Q

What is the difference between a false and a true pelvis?

A

False - area between the iliac bones.

True - deeper area surrounded by the pelvic inlet

180
Q

Describe the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum and testis. Why is this relevant?

A

Testis - lumbar and para aortic nodes
Scrotum - superficial inguinal nodes

Means a lump in the scrotum is very unlikely to be testicular cancer. But bad because it means it presents late.

181
Q

What is a hydrocoele/haematocoele? Where and why do they occur?

A

Hydro - fluid behind the tunica vaginalis. Due to failure of processus vaginalis to close properly
Haemo - blood behind the tunica vaginalis. Due to trauma or a tumour.

182
Q

What is a varicocoele? Why are they more common on the left?

A

Varicosities of the pampiniform plexus due to venous reflux
Feels like a bag of worms

More common on the left because left testicular vein drains via renal artery at a steep angle. (Reflux more likely)

More dangerous on the right because it drains straight to the vena cava.

183
Q

What is the relationship between dopamine and prolactin?

Which drug can therefore be used to treat hyperprolactinaemia?

A

Dopamine inhibits prolactin

Bromocriptine mimics dopamine so treats hyperprolactinaemia

184
Q

What are the symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia?

A

Inhibits GnRH

So infertility, hirsutism, amenorrhoea

185
Q

What is the significance of the perineal body?

A

Fibromuscular connective tissue where all of the pelvic floor muscles insert.
Good flexibility for childbirth
But risk of prolapse or incontinence when damaged. Because it is connective tissue it does not heal easily. Episiotomy avoids tear of perineal body.

186
Q

Name the levator ani muscles. Which is involved in faecal incontinence?

A

Puborectalis - faecal incontinence
Iliococcygeus
Ischiococcygeus

187
Q

Which muscles comprise the pelvic diaphragm?

A

Levator ani and coccygeus

188
Q

Name the deep perineal muscles.

A

External urethral sphincter
Urethrovaginal sphincter

Deep transverse perineal

189
Q

Name the superficial perineal muscles.

A

Bulbospongiosus
Ischiocavernosus

External anal sphincter
Superficial transverse perineal

190
Q

Which muscles are implicated in ejaculation?

A

Bulbospongiosus

Ischiocavernosus