PHYS Placental and Fetal Physiology

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Which structure is responsible for the major contribution to the chorion, which is the embryo's half of the placenta?

Decidua

Trophoblast (correct)

Syncytiotrophoblast

Embryoblast

When does implantation occur?

Day 11

Day 3

Day 6

Day 7 (correct)

During implantation, what type of communication occurs between the trophoblast and the uterine surface?

Gap junction communication

Endocytosis

Paracellular cytokine communication (correct)

Exocytosis

What is the function of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast?

Maintains corpus luteum and progesterone levels Signup and view all the answers

Which extraembryonic membrane is responsible for providing a shock-absorbing function?

Amnion Signup and view all the answers

Which maternal contribution is involved in the formation of the placenta?

Endometrial vessels Signup and view all the answers

At what point must the placenta be functional to support pregnancy?

Day 28 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the chorionic villus sampling (CVS) procedure?

To sample fetal cells from the chorion Signup and view all the answers

When is amniocentesis typically performed?

At 16 weeks of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the placenta in the steroid biosynthesis pathway?

Source of progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the activation of the myometrium of the uterus for labor?

High levels of estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the syncytiotrophoblast in early pregnancy?

Invading uterine tissue to securely implant the embryo Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the umbilical cord?

To connect the fetus to the placenta Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the amnion?

To protect the fetus from mechanical shock Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy, the site of implantation deep to the embryo is known as the

Basalis Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for signaling to the corpus luteum (CL) to maintain its presence during pregnancy?

hCG Signup and view all the answers

When can hCG be detected in pregnancy assays?

2 weeks after conception Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between fetal and maternal blood during pregnancy?

Intervillous space Signup and view all the answers

What maintains separation between maternal blood and fetal vessels in the placenta?

Mesenchyme Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provides the precursor for steroidogenesis during pregnancy?

Mother Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme found in the placenta converts androgens to estrogens during pregnancy?

Aromatase Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the fetus complete the estrogen pathway on its own during pregnancy?

Lack of enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the corpus luteum after 3 months of pregnancy?

It degrades Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of progesterone and estrogen in the preparation of the oviduct and uterus for receiving the developing embryo during a normal menstrual cycle?

Estrogen prepares the oviduct and progesterone prepares the uterus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the syncytiotrophoblast and how does it interact with the uterus and corpus luteum to coordinate hormone signaling pathways needed to maintain early pregnancy?

The syncytiotrophoblast is a layer of cells that forms the outer layer of the blastocyst and it interacts with the uterus and corpus luteum to produce hCG. Signup and view all the answers

How is gas, nutrient, and waste exchange possible between fetal and maternal blood during pregnancy without mixing whole blood?

The placenta acts as a barrier between fetal and maternal blood, allowing for exchange of substances without mixing whole blood. Signup and view all the answers

How does the maternal-placental-fetal unit work together to synthesize progesterone and estrogens needed for pregnancy maintenance without masculinizing or feminizing the fetus during development?

Progesterone and estrogens are synthesized by both the maternal and placental units, and their levels are regulated by the fetal unit to prevent masculinization or feminization of the fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in early pregnancy?

hCG maintains the corpus luteum and the production of progesterone. Signup and view all the answers