Learning Objectives (Non-Clic) Flashcards
(201 cards)
Name the two primitive duct systems that males and females have in early embryo.
- Wolffian
- Mullerian
Which primitive duct system develops, and which degenerates in males?
- Develops into reproductive tract = Wolffian
- Degenerates = Mullerian
(Opposite in females)
Describe the development of male reproductive system in terms of hormones.
- Testosterone (stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin from placenta) released from foetal testes
+
Mullerian inhibiting factor (induces regression of mullerian ducts)
Define estimated date of delivery.
40 weeks from the first day of the LMP
Reality gestational age is 14 days less as ovulation is at day 14 of cycle
Define the following times of delivery:
a) At term
b) Pre-term
c) Post-term
a) 37-42 weeks
b) before 37 weeks
c) after 42 weeks
Describe the role of prostaglandins in parturition.
- synthesised within the human fetal membranes (the amnion and the chorion)
- kept within the membranes
- During pregnancy membranes are intact and prostaglandins are not released
- in labour, the membranes not intact, prostaglandins released, ripen the cervix
- also used for induction of labour (PGI2)
Describe the role of relaxin in parturition.
- Causes relaxation of the ligaments in the pelvis (relaxation of the pelvic floor)
- Softens and widens the cervix
- Produced by the ovaries and placenta
Describe the role of oxytocin in parturition.
- Produced by the hypothalamus
- Secreted by the posterior pituitary
- Causes contraction of the uterus (increases production of the prostaglandins)
What are the two things that are required for successful labor?
- Dilation of the cervical
- Contractions of the uterine myometrium
State the 3 stages of labour.
1- Onset of regular contractions to fully dilated cervix - Cervical dilation
2- Delivery of baby - Fully dilated cervix to birth (around 1 hour)
3- Expulsion of the placenta and the membranes (Up to one hour)
Describe the two phases of the first stage of labour.
Stage = Onset of regular contractions to a fully dilated cervix
Phase 1 = Latent Phase
- Regular contractions
- Cervical effacement and dilation to 3-4cm
Phase 2 = Active Phase
- Increase in the frequency of contractions
- Cervical dilation to 10cm
Describe the second stage of labour.
Stage = full cervical dilation to birth
- increase in frequency of contractions
- the presenting part descends
- Baby moves from cervix into vagina
- Stretch receptors in the vagina cause abdominal wall contractions which augment the uterine contractions
- Ferguson Reflex takes place = when the pelvic floor stretches increases release of oxytocin which increases uterine contractions which in turn causes more pelvic floor stretching and more oxytocin
Describe the third stage of labour.
Stage = Expulsion of the placenta and membranes
- Contraction of the myometrium afterwards prevents haemorrhage by constricting blood vessels at site of placenta attachment
What is the name of the shrinkage of the uterus to pre-pregnancy size?
Post-partum involution (takes 4-6 weeks, fall in oestrogen and progesterone levels)
What is meant by full dilation?
Dilation to 10cm
What is a key trigger of labour?
- Estrogne synthesis form placenta –> increase in estrogen receptors in myometrium
- Oestrogen -> Increase in gap junctions (coordinated contraction of cervix) and increase in oxytocin receptors (increased sensitivity)
- Oestrogen -> increase in PG’s -> increase oxytocin receptors and softens cervix
What are the stages of breast physiological development?
- Birth - lactiferous ducts without alveoli
- Puberty - lactiferous ducts + alveoli (alveoli is a lobule which is made out of milk producing glands)
- During pregnancy - estrogen, progesterone, prolactin leads to glandular tissue replacing adipose tissue
- From week 16 - fully developed but in quiescent awaiting activation
Which hormone stimulates duct development during pregnancy?
Oestrogen
Which hormone stimulates Lobule development during pregnancy?
Progesterone
Which hormones stimulates the production/synthesis of milk?
Prolactin
a) Name the two cells which are involved in lactation and secretion of milk.
b) state the hormones that stimulate these cells respectively.
1- Secretory alveoli/acini cells - produce milk stimulated by prolactin
2- Contractile myo-epithelial cells surround each alveolus stimulated by oxytocin
Why does prolactin have no effect on lactation before parturition?
Oestrogen and progesterone levels are high prior to parturition
These hormones inhibit the effects of prolactin
Explain the neurohormonal reflexes that control milk production during lactation.
Suckling -> Mechanoreceptors in nipple stimulates -> hypothalamus stimulated -> decrease in prolactin-inhibiting hormone and increase in prolactin-releasing hormone -> stimulates the anterior pituitary -> increase in prolactin -> stimulates milk secretion
Suckling -> Mechanoreceptors -> hypothalamus -> nervous pathway stimulates the posterior pituitary -> Increase in Oxytocin -> contraction of myoepithelial cells around alveoli -> milk ejection
What happens to milk production after weaning?
No suckling -> no oxytocin -> no milk ejection -> build up of milk -> pressure build up acts directly on epithelial cells -> no milk
No suckling -> no prolactin -> no milk