Maternal and Fetal Timelines Quiz

Small, avascular villi formed by cytotrophoblast cells invading the syncytiotrophoblast layer.

Villi with an extraembryonic mesodermal core, covered by cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast layers.

Fully developed villi with embryonic blood vessels (villous capillaries) in the mesodermal core.

The base of the placenta from which chorionic villi originate.

A layer of cytotrophoblast cells that surrounds the syncytiotrophoblast and embryo.

Large tertiary villi that connect to the cytotrophoblastic shell and have villous branches.

Space between the chorionic villi, where maternal blood circulates.

Tertiary villi develop more densely on the anchoring side of the embryo facing maternal decidua.

The villous side of the placenta, facing the fetus.

The smooth side of the placenta, opposite the chorion frondosum.

The part of the uterine lining where the chorion frondosum attaches.

The part of the decidua that surrounds the embryo and doesn't interact with the villi.

The process where maternal arteries near the placenta are modified for blood flow.

Specialized cells that invade the maternal tissue around the placenta.

Innermost fetal membrane, containing amniotic fluid.

Small sac providing early pregnancy blood and germ cells.

A temporary gland that forms in the ovary after ovulation. It secretes estrogen and progesterone, hormones essential for preparing the uterus for pregnancy.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone produced by the embryo's trophoblast cells after implantation. It maintains the corpus luteum, ensuring continued progesterone and estrogen production.

Specialized cells that form the outer layer of a developing embryo. They are responsible for implantation and produce hCG.

A multinucleated layer of trophoblast cells that forms the outer layer of the placenta. It invades the maternal tissues and helps with nutrient exchange.

hCG acts as a substitute for LH, preventing the corpus luteum from degrading and ensuring the sustained production of progesterone and estrogen necessary for maintaining pregnancy during the first trimester.

The placenta is a vital organ during pregnancy, acting as a bridge between the mother and developing fetus. It facilitates nutrient and gas exchange, removes waste products, and produces hormones essential for maintaining pregnancy.

hCG, unique to pregnancy, is only produced by the body after implantation. Its presence in urine or blood confirms a pregnancy. The higher the hCG level, the further along the pregnancy.

Urine tests are more readily available but less sensitive, requiring higher hCG levels to detect a pregnancy. Blood tests are more sensitive, detecting pregnancy earlier but are usually performed in a medical setting.

The process of childbirth or labor, involving the delivery of the baby and placenta.

The transformation of the uterine lining (endometrium) during pregnancy, creating a specialized tissue that supports the developing embryo.

The flow of blood between the mother and the placenta, providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

A change in the cervix during pregnancy, making it softer and more pliable to prepare for delivery.

A sticky barrier of mucus that forms in the cervix during pregnancy, protecting the uterus from infections.

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, which significantly increases during pregnancy to meet the needs of the growing baby.

The amount of blood in the mother's body increases significantly during pregnancy, providing more oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

The resistance to blood flow in the circulatory system, which decreases during pregnancy due to the widening of blood vessels.

Oxytocin, released by the posterior pituitary, stimulates uterine contractions, causing cervical dilation and promoting labor progression. It plays a crucial role in the positive feedback loop of labor.

Cervical ripening refers to the softening and dilation of the cervix in preparation for labor. It's a gradual process that makes the cervix more pliable for the baby's descent.

The latent phase is the initial stage of labor, characterized by mild, irregular contractions that gradually increase in frequency and intensity. The cervix dilates to 3 cm during this phase.

The active phase is marked by stronger, more frequent contractions that intensify further as labor progresses. During this phase, the cervix dilates from 3 cm to 10 cm.

This refers to the positive feedback loop in which the pressure on the cervix during labor stimulates oxytocin release, further increasing uterine contractions. This cycle continues until delivery.

This is the final stage of labor, beginning immediately after the baby's birth and ending with the delivery of the placenta. It typically lasts between 5 and 30 minutes.

The baby's descent into the pelvis, often felt as a lowering sensation. It can provide some relief from pressure on the lungs, leading to easier breathing.

This refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac, releasing amniotic fluid. It can occur during labor or before, signaling the start of labor.

Any health problem related to pregnancy affecting the mother, the fetus, or both.

The time after childbirth, typically lasting 6 weeks, when the mother's body recovers and adapts.

A pregnancy complication caused by factors related to the mother's health or body.

A pregnancy complication caused by factors related to the baby's health or development.

A problem with the placenta's ability to properly function and support the fetus.

Pregnancy complications that occur during the first three months of pregnancy, often related to implantation or early embryo development.

The process where the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining.

The stage of pregnancy where the embryo grows and develops its basic organs and structures.