Maternal Recognition and Fetal Membranes

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the embryo's signal to the mother during maternal recognition of pregnancy?

  • To stimulate the production of hormones that support pregnancy. (correct)
  • To inform the mother's immune system to tolerate the embryo.
  • To trigger implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall.
  • To initiate the development of the placenta.

Which of the following is NOT a typical signal used by the embryo to indicate its presence to the mother?

  • Release of prostaglandins.
  • Suppression of the mother's immune response.
  • Production of progesterone. (correct)
  • Secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

What is the main purpose of the embryo suppressing the mother's immune response during the early stages of pregnancy?

  • To prevent the embryo from being recognized as foreign tissue. (correct)
  • To increase the efficiency of nutrient transport across the placenta.
  • To reduce the chances of the mother developing an autoimmune disease.
  • To facilitate the development of the fetus's immune system.

Why is maternal recognition of pregnancy crucial for the continuation of a successful pregnancy?

<p>It ensures that the mother's body will not reject the embryo. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the likely outcome if the embryo failed to signal its presence to the mother?

<p>The mother's immune system would destroy the embryo. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which placental classification is the chorionic epithelium in contact with the uterine epithelium?

<p>Epitheliochorial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of placenta is considered the most efficient in nutrient transfer to the fetus?

<p>Hemochorial (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pigment zona in the zonary placenta?

<p>Maternal blood and iron transport (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of placenta does erosion of the uterine connective tissue occur, resulting in the chorion being in direct contact with maternal capillaries?

<p>Endotheliochorial (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the discoid placenta?

<p>Has a zonary structure with distinct zones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process by which placental cells interact with the spiral arteries to enhance metabolic exchange is known as:

<p>Placental invasion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a condition that can arise when placental access to maternal blood is limited?

<p>Pre-eclampsia/IUGR (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The placental barrier is best described as:

<p>A semi-permeable layer allowing selective diffusion of substances between mother and fetus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which gases and water move across the placental barrier?

<p>Simple diffusion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding the placental classification system?

<p>The classification system reflects the degree of invasiveness of the placenta into the uterine tissue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the placenta?

<p>Production of fetal blood cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which extraembryonic membrane is derived from the trophoblast and mesoderm?

<p>Allantois (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The maternal recognition of pregnancy must occur prior to what physiological process?

<p>Luteolysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the conceptus spend a lengthy period during its migration within the uterus?

<p>Uterine horns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the amnion?

<p>Protection and cushioning of the fetus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of placenta is characterized by multiple, discrete areas of attachment between the chorion and endometrium?

<p>Cotyledonary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common medical reason for amniocentesis?

<p>Confirmation of pregnancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is responsible for maintaining a calm uterine environment, allowing for embryo implantation?

<p>Progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of placenta is seen in horses and pigs?

<p>Diffuse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which extraembryonic membrane is the primary site of early blood cell formation?

<p>Yolk sac (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the chorion?

<p>Development of the placenta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of which protein in amniotic fluid can indicate neural tube defects?

<p>Alpha-fetoprotein (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which extraembryonic membrane is essential for the formation of the umbilical cord in mammals?

<p>Allantois (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of fetal membrane layers from innermost to outermost?

<p>Amnion, Allantois, Yolk sac, Chorion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure formed by the interaction of a cotyledon and a caruncle?

<p>Placentome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?

<p>It facilitates metabolic exchange between mother and fetus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows trophoblastic cells to encapsulate maternal plasma and transport it into fetal circulation?

<p>Pinocytosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs when the placenta implants too low in the uterus, potentially obstructing delivery?

<p>Placenta previa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grade of placenta accreta involves chorionic villi invading into the myometrium?

<p>Placenta increta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What serious condition involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus?

<p>Placenta abruption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances can cross the placenta through active transport?

<p>Sodium and potassium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which placental abnormality is characterized by the chorionic villi invading through the serosa?

<p>Placenta percreta (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of transport mechanism is primarily used for the active transport of ions like calcium across the placenta?

<p>Active transport (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of placenta previa during pregnancy?

<p>Hemorrhage and premature separation of the placenta (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the placenta act as an endocrine organ?

<p>It produces hormones necessary for pregnancy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy

The process by which an embryo signals its mother to modify her body in preparation for pregnancy.

Embryonic Signaling

The biochemical signals released by the embryo to communicate its presence to the mother.

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormone levels triggered by the embryo's signals that help sustain pregnancy.

Implantation

The process of the embryo attaching itself to the uterine wall after maternal recognition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pregnancy Maintenance

The physiological adaptations that occur in the mother to support the developing embryo throughout gestation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Active Transport in Placenta

Mechanism using pumps to move sodium, potassium, and calcium across the placenta.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pinocytosis

Process where trophoblastic cells engulf maternal plasma and solutes in vacuoles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta as Endocrine Organ

The placenta produces hormones that regulate pregnancy and fetal development.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta Previa

Condition where the placenta obstructs the cervical canal, potentially blocking delivery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta Accreta

Abnormal placenta attachment with chorionic villi invading the myometrium.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grades of Placenta Accreta

Three grades based on the level of invasion by chorionic villi into myometrium.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta Abruption

Separation of the placenta from the uterus prematurely, often leading to complications.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Functions of the Placenta

Exchange of nutrients, production of hormones, and protection of the fetus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placental Classifications

Placentas are classified by shape and type of barrier between blood supplies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placental Abnormalities

Conditions like previa, accreta, and abruption that disrupt safe birth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conceptus signaling

The biochemical signals that the conceptus sends to the mother to indicate its presence and maintain pregnancy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Role of Progesterone

Hormone that keeps the uterus calm, allowing the embryo to implant properly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gestation Day 14

The last day of the uterine migration phenomenon of a conceptus during early pregnancy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Extraembryonic membranes

Membranes developed to support the fetus by providing nutrients, oxygen, and protection against the mother's immune system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Amnion

The innermost fetal membrane enclosing the embryo, providing protection and accommodating growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Yolk Sac

An extraembryonic membrane that serves as the early site for blood formation and connects to the embryo's midgut.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Amniocentesis

Medical procedure used to collect amniotic fluid and cells for detecting genetic diseases and conditions during pregnancy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Allantois

Innermost layer of fetal membranes involved in the formation of the umbilical cord and waste collection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chorion

The outermost layer of fetal membranes, which develops into the placenta.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta

An organ connecting the fetus to the mother's uterine wall for nutrient and waste exchange.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diffuse placenta

Type of placenta where almost the entire surface of the chorion contributes to placenta formation, seen in horses and pigs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cotyledonary placenta

Type of placenta with multiple discrete attachment areas (cotyledons) interacting with the uterus, found in cows and sheep.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Zonary placenta

Placenta forms a band of tissue surrounding the fetus, complete or incomplete.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placenta functions

Supports pregnancy through nutrient uptake, gas exchange, and waste elimination for the fetus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Discoid Placenta

A placenta shaped like a disc, forming a single patch for nutrient exchange, common in humans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pre-eclampsia

A pregnancy complication with high blood pressure due to limited placental access.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epitheliochorial

The least invasive placenta type where chorion contacts uterine epithelium without maternal tissue loss.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Syndesmochorial

A placenta type where uterine epithelium is locally eroded, allowing chorion to enter connective tissue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endotheliochorial

A placenta type where chorion contacts maternal capillaries after eroding connective tissue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hemochorial

The most invasive placenta type, with chorionic villi in direct contact with maternal blood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placental Barrier

A semi-permeable layer in the placenta that selectively allows substances to pass between maternal and fetal blood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Simple Diffusion

The process where substances move from high to low concentration without energy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Facilitated Diffusion

An enhanced rate of substance movement across a membrane, requiring specific proteins.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy

  • The conceptus signals its presence to the mother through a critical series of events.
  • Timely biochemical signals from the conceptus are essential for successful pregnancy; otherwise, pregnancy terminates.
  • Maternal recognition must occur before luteolysis (end of the corpus luteum function).
  • Estrogen can cause uterine contractions, hindering embryo implantation.
  • Progesterone maintains a calm uterine environment conducive to embryo implantation.
  • The conceptus migrates within the uterus, with specific stopping points.

Fetal Membranes

  • Extraembryonic membranes develop to protect and nourish the fetus.
  • The fetus's different genetic makeup necessitates protection from the mother's immune system.
  • The mother supplies nutrients, oxygen, and protection, while removing waste produced by the fetus.

Amnion

  • Formed from extraembryonic ectoderm and somatic mesoderm.
  • Suspends and protects the fetus from injury, accommodating growth and movement.

Yolk Sac

  • Derived from extraembryonic endoderm.
  • An early site of blood formation, connected to the embryo's midgut by the yolk stalk.

Amniocentesis

  • A medical procedure, performed if there are medical concerns, particularly regarding fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Amniotic fluid and/or cells are collected and examined to detect diseases like Tay-Sachs, sex determination, or trisomy.
  • Proteins in the fluid can signal neural tube defects.
  • Cells can reveal genetic defects.

Allantois

  • Formed from the trophoblast and mesoderm.
  • Crucial in mammalian umbilical cord formation.
  • Collects waste products from the fetus.

Chorion

  • The outermost fetal membrane, surrounding the amnion.
  • Develops villi, forming the placenta.

Placenta

  • An organ connecting the fetus to the uterine wall.
  • Enables metabolic exchange (nutrients, gases, thermoregulation, infection defense, waste elimination).
  • Produces pregnancy-supporting hormones.
  • Composed of fetal (chorion) and maternal (uterine endometrium) components.
  • Different types of placentation exist, differing in shape and tissue interaction.

Placental Classifications

  • Diffuse Placenta: Chorion's entire surface is involved. (Horse, Pig)
  • Cotyledonary Placenta: Discrete attachment sites (cotyledons) interact with maternal tissues. (Cow, Sheep)
  • Zonary Placenta: Placenta forms a band surrounding the fetus. (Dog, Cat, Seals, Elephants)
  • Discoid Placenta: Single, disc-shaped placenta. (Human, Primates, Rodents)

Mechanisms of Transport Across the Placenta

  • Simple Diffusion: Movement of gases and water due to concentration gradients.
  • Facilitated Diffusion: Faster than simple diffusion; involves sugars, amino acids, and salts.
  • Active Transport: Placenta actively pumps sodium, potassium, and calcium.
  • Pinocytosis: Cells engulf maternal plasma and release contents into fetal circulation, facilitating transfer of various molecules.

Placenta as Endocrine Organ

  • The placenta produces hormones crucial for supporting pregnancy.

Multiple Pregnancies

  • Placental structure may vary in multiple pregnancies.

Placental Abnormalities

  • Placenta Previa: Placenta implants too low, potentially obstructing delivery.
  • Placenta Accreta: Abnormal placental attachment to the uterine wall.
  • Placenta Abruption: Separation of the placenta from the uterus before birth.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser