Component 2.3 - Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 3 main functions of the amniotic fluid?

A

1) Maintains temperature
2) Protects the foetus during development e.g lubrication to prevent webbed toes
3) Acts as a shock absorber

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2
Q

What is the amnion?

A

A membrane that is derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. The mother makes the amniotic fluid initially but from 4 months the foetus contributes urine to it

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3
Q

What is the role of hCG?

A

1) Developing embryo secretes before implantation and then it is secreted by the placenta
2) It maintains the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone and oestrogen to maintain the endometrium

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4
Q

Why is it important that hCG maintains the corpus luteum?

A

Oestrogen and progesterone remain at high concentration until the end of pregnancy. Which inhibits secretion of:

1) FSH - no follicles mature
2) LH - ovulation is not possible
3) Prolactin - so no milk is made

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5
Q

What does oestrogen stimulate the growth of during pregnancy?

A

1) The growth of the uterus to accommodate the growing foetus
2) The growth and development of mammary glands

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6
Q

What other hormone does the high level of progesterone inhibit and why is this important?

A

Inhibits oxytocin, which suppresses the uterine walls ability to contract

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7
Q

How do hormone levels change before birth?

A

Oestrogen levels increase and progesterone levels decrease - the uterine wall can now contract

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8
Q

Due to the low levels of progesterone at the end of pregnancy what is no longer inhibited and what does this mean?

A

Oxytocin - secreted by posterior pituitary gland stimulates contractions of the uterine wall which stimulates the secretion of more oxytocin (positive feedback)

Prolactin - secreted by anterior lobe of pituitary gland and after birth to stimulate the production of milk by the mammary glands

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9
Q

What else does the placenta secrete?

A

Oestrogen and progesterone giving them high concentrations in the plasma

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