Fertilization
What is the name of the process that allows sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP) of the egg?
Capacitation
What is the name of the structure that implants in the endometrium?
Blastocyst
What is the name of the structure that provides nutrients and removes waste from the embryo?
Placenta
What is the name of the process of giving birth?
Parturition
What is the name of the process of producing and secreting milk?
Lactation
What is the name of the reaction that occurs when sperm contacts the ZP?
Acrosomal reaction
What is the name of the hormone that is primarily responsible for preventing the sloughing of the endometrium during early pregnancy?
Progesterone
What are the two types of placental nutrition?
Trophoblastic nutrition
Placental diffusion
What are the three stages of parturition?
Stage 1 - Transformation/Activation
Stage 2 - Active Labor
Stage 3 - Involution
What are the two main hormones involved in lactation?
Prolactin (PRL)
Oxytocin
What are the three phases of fertilization?
Penetration of the corona radiata
ZP penetration
Fusion of plasma membranes
What is the role of trophoblast cells in implantation?
Trophoblast cells secrete proteolytic enzymes that digest and liquefy endometrial cells, allowing the blastocyst to implant and receive nutrients.
What is the significance of the double Bohr effect in fetal oxygen transport?
The double Bohr effect enhances oxygen transfer from maternal to fetal blood by increasing the affinity of fetal hemoglobin for oxygen and decreasing the affinity of maternal hemoglobin for oxygen.
What is the role of oxytocin in parturition?
Oxytocin causes uterine contractions, which help to expel the fetus and placenta.
What is the role of oxytocin in milk ejection?
Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of myoepithelial cells around the alveoli, causing milk ejection or "let-down."
What is the significance of the cortical reaction in preventing polyspermy?
The cortical reaction hardens the ZP, preventing multiple sperm from penetrating the egg.
What is the significance of the delay in the isthmus opening for implantation?
The delay allows the embryo to develop sufficiently, allows blastocyst proteases to digest the zona pellucida before implantation, and allows the uterine lining to be ready.
What are the three main hormones produced by the placenta?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Estrogens (estradiol)
Progesterone
What are the hormonal changes that lead to increased uterine contractility during labor?
Increased estrogen, decreased progesterone, and increased oxytocin all contribute to increased uterine contractility during labor.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and mother?
Benefits for the infant include:
Optimal nutrition
Immunity
Reduced risk of allergies and infections
Benefits for the mother include:
Reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage
Faster weight loss
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers
Case Study: A couple is undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The sperm is unable to penetrate the ZP of the egg. What could be a possible reason for this failure?
Possible reasons include:
Insufficient capacitation of the sperm
Defective acrosomal reaction
Abnormalities in the ZP of the egg
Other factors affecting sperm motility or function
Case Study: A woman has a history of ectopic pregnancies. What factors might increase her risk of another ectopic pregnancy?
Factors that can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy include:
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Endometriosis
Previous tubal surgery
Smoking
Advanced maternal age
Case Study: A pregnant woman is diagnosed with placental insufficiency. What could be the potential consequences for the fetus?
Placental insufficiency can lead to:
Fetal growth restriction (FGR)
Premature birth
Stillbirth
Hypoxia and brain damage
Case Study: A woman is in labor and is experiencing intense contractions. Discuss the hormonal changes that lead to increased uterine contractility during labor, specifically focusing on the roles of estrogen and oxytocin. How might these changes affect the stages of labor?
Increased estrogen levels make the uterus more sensitive to oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. Oxytocin also has a positive feedback loop, where cervical stretching leads to more oxytocin release, further intensifying contractions. These changes facilitate cervical effacement and dilation in Stage 1, leading to forceful and rhythmic contractions in Stage 2, and ultimately, expulsion of the fetus and placenta.
Case Study: A mother is having difficulty breastfeeding. What could be the possible causes, and how can she be helped?
Possible causes include:
Latch difficulties
Milk production issues
Pain or discomfort
Maternal stress or anxiety
Help can include:
Lactation consultant support
Addressing underlying medical conditions
Medications or herbal remedies
Support groups or counseling