The Placenta and Trophoblastic Disease Flashcards
What cells form the placenta?
Trophoblasts (which go on to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts).
The placenta is made up of what cells?
Syncytiotrophoblasts - outer layer
Cytotrophoblasts - inner layer
When does the blastocyst implant into the endometrium?
Day 5
What occurs when the trophoblast cells invade the endometrium?
Invasion causes the decidual reaction causing the decidua to form.
What is the decidua?
The decidua is the modified mucosal lining of the uterus (that is, modified endometrium) that forms in preparation for pregnancy.
What forms fetal capillaries where gas exchange occurs?
Chorionic villi
Umbilical vein
The umbilical vein is a vein present during fetal development that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta into the growing fetus.
Umbilical artery
Carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
The placenta produces what hormones?
hCG
hPL
Progesterone
What are the respiratory changes that occur in pregnancy?
Increased tidal volume
Increased respiratory rate
Mild respiratory alkalosis
Reduced max inspiratory volume in the third trimester
What are the gastrointestinal changes that occur in pregnancy?
Delayed gut motility
Constipation
Increased alkaline phosphate
What are the renal changes that occur during pregnancy?
Increased blood flow 50% increased GFR Low creatinine and urea Glycosuria is normal Proteinuria (<30mg is normal).
What are the skeletal changes that occur during pregnancy?
Osteopenia
Increased osteoblast activity
Amniotic fluid
Produced by fetal urine, is swallowed and bathes the fetal lungs. 99% water
What can cause a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid in pregnancy?
IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction).
Renal pathologies
Ruptured membranes
Normally reduces to term
What can cause a increase in the amount of amniotic fluid in pregnancy?
Diabetes
Macrosomia
Fetal pathologies
Macrosomia
The term “fetal macrosomia” is used to describe a newborn who’s significantly larger than average. (Birth weight of more than 8pounds).
What marks the fetal side of the placenta?
The side of the placenta that the umbilical cord is coming out of.
What are the two membranes of the placenta?
Amnion (side to the baby)
Chorion (side to the mum)