Week 2 Flashcards
What does Oestrogen do in pregnancy?
Growth and development of breasts;
Hyperplasia of the endometrium - building up the lining of the uterus;
Hypertrophy of the uterus - growth in size;
Increased vascularisation of the uterus;
Promotes growth of myometrial muscle;
Increases blood flow.
What is the role of progesterone in pregnancy?
Relaxes smooth muscle;
Reduces uterine muscle excitability, to prevent uterine contraction;
Suppresses immune system;
Relaxation of blood vessels.
What is the role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)?
Maintains the corpus luteum so that it continues to produce Oestrogen and Progesterone until the placenta takes over at 3 months.
Which hormone is detected by pregnancy tests?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
What is the role of Human Placental Lactogen (hPL)?
It facilitates growth, changing maternal metabolism to maximise the nutrients available to the fetus in utero.
What is the function of the Corpus Luteum?
Maintain the endometrium for implantation and embryonic development;
Suppress ovulation;
Achieves this through release of Oestrogen and Progesterone.
Which hormone is released 5 days after fertilisation?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
The corpus luteum produces which hormones?
Oestrogen and Progesterone
Oestrogen and progesterone are supress what during pregnancy?
Production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Lutenising Hormone (LH) and therefore Ovulation and Menstruation.
When does the placenta take over from the corpus luteum in producing Oestrogen and Progesterone?
At around 3 months.
What occurs during Lactogenesis?
Initiation of production of colostrum and milk.
When are the three phases of breast development during the lifespan of the woman?
Inutero; first two years of life, and puberty.
When does the primitive milk streak develop?
During embryogenesis - 4th week after fertilisation.
When does the mammary ridge develop?
During embryogenesis - 5th week after fertilsation.
How is the immune system impacted by pregnancy?
White blood cells increase in number and responsiveness;
Phagocytic activity is supressed (phagocytes attach to foriegn bodies such as bacteria and break them down);
Prostaglandins supress NK cell activity (cells that respond to viral infection.
How is the cardiovascular system impacted by pregnancy?
The heart is displaced upward by the diaphragm;
The heart enlarges and cardiac volume increases by 10-20%;
Cardiac output increases;
Heart rate increases from the 4th week;
Increase in plasma volume and red cell mass, but relativity of increases results in dilute of Hb resulting in anaemia;
Diastolic BP decreases in 1st/2nd trimester, returning to normal in 3rd trimester (drop is due to decrease in total peripheral resistance thanks to progesterone);
Little to no change to systolic BP.
How is the respiratory system impacted by pregnancy?
Diaphragm moves upward;
No change to lung capacity due to increase in diameters of the thoracic cavity;
Tidal volume increases with an offset in residual volume;
02 consumption increases to accomodate the needs of the growing fetus.
How is the renal system impacted by pregnancy?
Kidneys enlarge by 1 - 1.5cm;
Increased blood flow to the kidneys;
Progestoerone dilates the calycesm pelves and ureters (slower passage of urine);
Bladder is displaced up and forward, with reduced capacity meaning frequent urination;
Glomerular filtration increases by about 50%;
Reabsorption of electrolytes is increased as activity of the renin-angiotensis-aldosterone system increases (due to in increased progesterone/oestrogen).
How is the gastrointestinal system impacted by pregnancy?
Displaced by the uterus;
Tone and motility decreased due to progesterone - decreased peristalsis (symptoms include constipation, haemorrhoids, nausea and vomiting and indigestion);
Liver - size and blood volume unchanged;
Gall bladder - increased risk of gall stones; hypotonic, distended, slow emptying;
NVP;
Indigestion due to pressure of uterus and relaxation of sphincters.
What is a teratogen?
Any agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus. Examples include alcohol, medication, cigarettes, bacteria/viruses.
What is the corona radiata?
Outer layer of the oocyte after released from the ovary.
What is the zona pellucida?
The inner layer of the oocyte, inside the corona radiata.
What is the “acrosome reaction”?
Where the acrosome of the sperm releases digestive enzymes after the sperm has attached to receptors on the surface of the zona pellucida. This is stimulated by progesterone.
What is the cell called immediately after fertilisation?
Zygote.
What is meant by cleavage?
The repeated mitotic divisions of the zygote.
What is a morula?
This is the developed zygote at day 4 - 5 that enters the uterus for implantation.
What are the cells of the zygote called?
Blastomeres
How is the blastocyst cavity formed?
Once the morula enters the uterus, uterine secretions pass through the zona pellucida creating a fluid filled space called the blastocyst cavity.