Reproductive Flashcards
What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle
Generate oocyte
Facilitate fertilisation
Optimise endometrium for implantation
Protect developing embryo
What are the starting and end stages of menstrual cycle
Begins at menarche
Ends at menopause
When are the follicular phase, luteal phase, menstrual phase, proliferative phase, secretory phase
Ovarian cycle:
Follicular: days 1 -14
Luteal: days 14-28
Uterine cycle:
Menstrual: days 1-5
Proliferative: 5-14
Secretory: 14-28
What is GnRH
Decapeptide
Secreted by mid basal hypothalamic neurons
Hourly pulses
Transported to pituitary via hypophyseal portal blood system
How is GnRH secretion affected
Bereavement Anxiety Time zone Day/night Exercise Weight loss/gain
What is the function of FSH
Stimulates follicular activity thus promoting estradiol production from gransulosa cells
What is the function of LH
Triggers release of egg from dominant follicle
Promotes development of the corpus lute and the production of progesterone
What are the stages of follicular development
Primordial follicle -> primary/preantral follicle -> secondary/antral follicle -> preovulatory follicle -> ovulation
What is oral contraception
Combined: contains estradiol and progesterone Stead state levels Inhibit GnRH/FSH/LH Prevent ovulation Thin endometrium Tenacious mucus
What are the stages of implantation
Shedding of ZP Pre-contact blastocyst orientation Apposition cellular contacts Adhesion Penetration of endometrium
What is hCG
Produced by trophoblast cells
Glycoprotein
Similar structure to LH, FSH
Luteotrophic: continues to stimulate the corpus luteum which produces progesterone
Production is autonomous (independent of hypothalamus and pituitary
Though to be the cause of morning sickness
Used in pregnancy test
What is seen at each week, since last menstrual period, of pregnancy from an ultrasound
5 weeks: gestation sac
6 weeks: foetal pole, yolk sac
7 weeks: foetal heart activity
8 weeks: foetal limbs, movement
What cardiovascular changes are seen from the mother
40% increase in blood volume Increase in red cell mass Physiologic anaemia of pregnancy Increased cardiac output Mechanism: oestrogen stimulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
What respiratory changes are seen from the mother during pregnancy
Increased oxygen consumption
Respiratory compensation
Change in central control of respiration
What renal changes are seen from the mother during pregnancy
Increased renal blood flow
Increased GFR
Pelvicalyceal and ureteric dilation
Blasser capacity decreases
What GI changes are seen from the mother during pregnancy
Altered appetite
Lower oesophageal pressure
Incompetence of cardia (causes nausea)
Decreased motility (causes constipation)
What is the function of the placenta
Hormone production
Preferential acquisition nutrients and removal of toxins
Gas exchange
What is myometrial activity
Gradual preparation for labour as pregnancy progresses
Mechanical/ endocrine/ paracrine influences
What is labour
Regular painful contractions
Progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix
descent of the presenting part
What is the sequence signalling for labour
Endocrine from foetus -> cytokines -> prostaglandins -> oxytocin -> labour