WEEK 14 (Foetus & Placenta) Flashcards
Describe the foetal period
- Beginning of Week 9 to birth
- Characterised by maturation of tissues and organs and rapid growth of the body
What is the length of the foetus indicated by?
CROWN-RUMP LENGTH (CRL) or CROWN-HEEL LENGTH (CHL)
What advances happen on the third month?
- Eyes move to ventral aspect of face & ears move to the side of head
- Limbs reach their relative length in comparison with the rest of body (lower limbs little shorter + less well developed)
- External genitalia develop -> SEX OF FOETUS DETERMINED
What advances happen on the fourth and fifth months?
- CRL is around 15cm (half the total length of the newborn)
- Weight is less than 500g
- Foetus is covered with fine hair called LANUGO HAIR
- Eyebrows and head hair are visible
During which month can movements of the foetus be felt by the mother?
Fifth month
What advances happen on the sixth month?
- Foetus weight increases considerably
- Skin of foetus is reddish and has a wrinkled appearance due to lack of underlying connective tissue
- Respiratory system and CNS have not differentiated sufficiently
What is the length of the foetus indicated by?
CROWN-RUMP LENGTH (CRL) or CROWN-HEEL LENGTH (CHL)
How long is a normal pregnancy?
280 days (40 weeks) after the last normal menstrual period OR 266 days (38 weeks) after fertilisation
By 6.5 to 7 months, what are the chances of survival?
90%
What advances happen during the last 2 months?
- Skin is covered by a whitish, fatty substance composed of secretory products from SEBACEOUS GLANDS
- Sexual characteristics are pronounced
What are the statistics of a normal foetus during the time of birth?
- 3-3.4kg
- CRL = 36cm
- CHL = 50cm
What is the placenta?
The organ that facilitates nutrient and gas exchange between maternal and foetal compartments
What is the foetal component and the maternal component derived from?
- Foetal component = Trophoblast and extra embryonic mesoderm
- Maternal component = Uterine endometrium
Which components make up the placenta?
- CHORION FRONDOSUM (foetal portion)
- DECIDUA BASALIS (maternal portion)
What is the only portion of the chorion participating in the exchange process?
Chorion frondosum
Describe the Full-term placenta
- Divided into a number of compartments (COTYLEDONS)
- Placenta enlarges as foetus grows
- 15-25cm, 3cm thick & weighs 500-600g
- Foetal surface of the placenta is covered entirely by CHORIONIC PLATE