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130 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What are the basic components of the Reproductive System |
1. Gonads - reproductive organs which produce gametes and hormones 2. Ducts which recieve gamets 3. Accessory Glands 4. External Genitalia |
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What are the male gametes |
spermatozoa (sperm) |
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Female gamete |
oocyte |
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Describe the path of sperm during emission |
epididymis, ductus deferens (vas deferens), ejaculatory duct, urethra. |
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What three accessory glands secrete fluids into the male urethra |
1. Seminal Glands 2. Prostate Glands 3. Bulbourethral Glands |
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Describe the descent of the testes during fetal development. |
Testicles form inside the body cavity adjacent to the kidneys. The gubernaculum testis extends form each testis to a small anterior fold of peritoneum. The gubernaculum does not enlarge during development so as the fetus groes it pulls the testes inferiorly. 7th month of development gubernaculum contracts pulling testes through abdominal musculature along with small pockets of peritoneum. |
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Cryptorchidism |
When one or both testes have not descended at the time of birth. In most cases testes drop a few weeks later. Can be surgically corrected but should be done prior to puberty Cryptorchid testes do not produce sperm |
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Spermatic cords |
Paired structures of fascia and muscle which descend into the scrotum via the inguinal canal and enclose the ductus deferens, defertial and testicular artery, papiniform plexus of testicular vein and branches of the genitofemoral nerve of the lumbar plexus. |
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Inguinal Hernias |
Protrusions of visceral organs through weak points in the inguinal canal created by the presence of the spermatic cords. Uncommon in females as the inguinal canal is much smaller than males |
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Raphe |
Raised thickening in the scrotum which divides it into two scrotal cavities. |
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Tunica vaginalis |
a serous memebrane which lines the scrotal cavity and reduces friction between parietal and visceral surfaces. |
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Dartos Muscle |
a layer of smooth muscle just deep to the epidermis of the scrotum. Resting muscle tone elevates scrotum causing characteristic wrinkly balls. |
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Cremaster Muscle |
A layer of skeletal muscle deep to the superficial scrotal fascia which contracts during sexual arousal or in response to decreased temp |
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Cremasteric Reflex |
stroking the skin of the upper thigh stimulates the cremaster muscle. |
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Tunica Albuginea |
A layer of dense connective tissue surrounging the testis and epididymis and extending into the testis forming septa which divide the testis into lobules |
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Seminiferous tubules |
Tightly coiled tubules within testicular lobes which produce sperms. These tubules merge into straight tubules, interconnect to form the rete testis and enter the mediastinum of the testes. Efferent ductules transport sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis |
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Leydig Cells |
Interstitial cells found in the areolar tissue between seminiferous tubules which produce androgens. |
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Spermatogonia |
Stem cells which divide to produce a two daughter cells. A spermatogonium and a primary spermatocyte. |
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Describe the process of spermatogenisis |
Spermatogonia divide by mitosis producing a spermatogonium and a primary spermatocye which is pushed towards the lumen. Primary spermatocytes begin meiosis and following meiosis 1 become secondary spermatocytes These undergo meiosis 2 and become spermatids. Spermatids undergo spermiogenisis to become spermatazoa |
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Nurse Cells (Sertoli Cells) |
Provide environment for spermatogenisis. 1. Maintain Blood-Testis Barrier and maintains fluid in the lumen which is high in androgens, estrogens, potassium and amino acids 2. Support of Mitosis-Meiosis by promoting division under stimulation of (FSH) 3. Support Spermiogenisis by surroinding spermatids and providing nutrients and chemicals 4. Secretion of Inhibin which decreases production of FSH 5. Secretion of Androgen-Binding Protien which elevates concentrations of androgens in luminal fluid 6. Secretion of Mullerian-Inhibiting Factor |
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Synapsis |
A phase during meiosis 1 when pairs of chromosomes come together forming tetrads and crossing over occurs. |
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Spermiogenisis |
The process which converts spermatids into highly specialized spermatozoa. |
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What are the 4 regions of the spermatozoon |
Head- Densely packed chromosomes and tipped by the acrosome which contains enzymes Neck- Middle Piece - mitochondria are arranged around microtubules Tail - only flagellum in the body. |
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How do sperm get nutrients |
they absorb fructose from surrounding fluid |
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3 Functions of the epididymis |
1. Monitors composition of fluid produced by seminiferous tubules ( this is accommodated by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelieum which increases surface area.) 2. Recycles Damaged Spermatozoa 3. Provides sheltered enviroment for continued maturation. (takes up to 2 weeks) |
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Capacitation |
The process which creates motile sperm Requires mixing with secretions of seminal glands (which triggers motility) and exposure to conditions in the female reproductive tract. |
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Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens) |
leaves the epididymis at the tail and follows the spermatic cord. ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium Prior to passing through the seminal glands its lumen enlarges in the Ampulla. Peristalsis of smooth muscle moves spermatozoa along. |
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Ejaculatory duct |
Begins at the junction of the of the ampulla and duct of the seminal gland. Goes through the prostate and empties into the urethra. |
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Seminal Glands |
Tubular Glands imbedded in connective tissue between posterior wall of bladder and the rectum which secrete approximately 60% of the volume of semen. Secretions are slightly alkaline and have the same osmotic concentrations as blood but high concentrations of fructose, prostaglandins and fibrinogen (forms a temporary semen clot in vagina) |
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Prostate Gland |
A small round organ which encircles the urethra and contains 30-50 compound tubuloalveolar glands which produce prostatic fluid. |
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Prostatic Fluid |
A slightly acidic solution which makes 20%-30% of semen. Secrete Seminalplasmin (a protien with antibiotic properties) |
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Prostatitis |
Inflammation of the process which is more common in older males. Symptoms include pain in low back, perineum, or rectum and can include painful urination |
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Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands) |
Compound tubuloalveolar glands located at the base of the penis Secrete thick, alkaline mucous which helps neutralize any urinary acids remaining in the urethra |
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What is the volume and what compromises ejaculate |
Generally 2-5mL of semen Sperm (normal count 20-100million/mL Seminal Fluid (60% seminal glands, 30% prostatic fluid, 5% nurse cell secretions, 5% bulbourethral) Enzymes (a protease which dissolves mucous in vagina, a seminalplasmin which kills bacteria, a prostatic enzyme which converts fibrin to fibrinogen, and fibrinolysin which liquefies clotted semen in 15-30 minutes) |
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Smegma |
A waxy secretion of preputial glands |
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How does erection occur |
parasympathetic inervation of penile arteries releases nitric oxide which relaxes smooth muscles in arterial walls and erectile tissue become engorged. |
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Corpus Cavernosa |
Two parallel partitions of erectile tissue on the anterior aspect of the flaccid penis which diverge at the crura and connect to the ramus of the pubis. Each contains a central artery |
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Corpus Spongiosum |
erectile tissue surrounds the penile urethra and expands at the tip to form the glans penis |
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How does testosterone circulate in the blood |
Bound to two types of transport protiens 1. Gonadal steroid-binding protien (carries 2/3 T) 2. Albumins (Carry 1/3) |
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Describe the interaction of hormones in regards to the male reproductive system |
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is released from the hypothalmus in pulses in response to testosterone levels in the blood. It stimulates the release for LH which in turn stimulates Interstitial cells to produce testosterone. It also stimulates FSH which stimulates nurse cells to produce ABP and facilitate spermatogenesis |
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What are the effects of Testosterone |
Maintain Libido Stimulate bone and muscle growth Establishs male sex characteristics Maintains accessory glands and organs of the male reproductive system Stimulates nurse cells |
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) |
Primary androgen secreted by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. It is converted to testosterone and is banned as a performance enhancing drug |
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Benign prostatic hypertrophy |
Typically occurs spontaneously in men over 50 and generally coincides with decreasing testosterone secretion and increased estrogen secretion |
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Prostatic Cancer |
2nd most common cancer and 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in males. Diagnostic screening involves palpation through the rectal wall and blood test for prostate-specific antigen. |
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What are the 4 organs of the female reproductive system |
1. Ovaries 2. Uterine Tubes 3. Uterus 4. Vagina |
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Broad Ligament |
An extensive mesentery which encloses the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus and limits lateral movement It attaches to the floor of the pelvic cavity and becomes continuous with the parietal peritoneum |
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Mesovarium |
A thickened fold of mesentery which suppots and stabilizes the positions of the ovaries |
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Rectouterine pouch |
The pocket formed between the posterior wall of the uterus and the anterior surface of the colon |
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Vesicouterine Pouch |
pocket formed between the anterior wall of the uterus and the posterior wall of the bladder |
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Three main functions of the ovaries |
1. Produce oocytes (immature female gametes) 2. Secrete female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone 3. Secrete inhibin |
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What two ligaments support the ovaries in addition to the mesovarium |
Ovarian Ligament - Extends from the uterus, near the uterine tube to the medial surface of the ovary. Suspensory ligament - extends from the lateral surface of the ovary to the pelvic wall Both ligaments contain ovarian arteries and veins. |
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Tunica Alboginea of the uterus |
outer layer |
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Stroma of the uterus |
Interior tissues of the ovary. (cortex and medulla) *gamets are produced in the cortex |
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Atresia |
degeneration of primordial follicles |
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Describe the prcocess of Oogenesis |
oogonia undergo mitosis prior to birth producing primary oocytes (2n). Between 3rd-7th months of fetal development primary oocytes begin meiosis and proceed to prophase 1. @ Puberty FSH triggers the start of the ovarian cycle and a some primary oocytes are stimulated to continue meiosis 1, producing a secondary oocytes (which are suspended @ Metaphase 2)and a polar body. The secondary oocyte is released each month and, if fertilized, releases a second polar body and forms a mature ovum |
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What are the 2 differences between meiosis in the testis and meiosis in the ovaries |
1. Cytoplasm of the primary oocyte is unevenly distributed during divisions, resulting in the production of polar bodies 2. Ovaries release secondary oocytes rather than mature ovum. |
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What are ovarian follicles |
specialized structures in the cortex of the ovaries where both oocyte growth and meiosis 1 occur |
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What are the 7 steps in the ovarian cycle |
1. Activation of the primordial follicles within the egg nest 2. Activation to primary follicles leads to growth of follicular cells which become rounded (granulosa cells.) Adjacent cells form Thecal cells, and together the 2 types produce estrogens. Microvilli of primary follicles and granulosa cells forms zona pellucida 3. Follicular fluid is secreted by deep follicular cells. (secondary follicle) 4. Tertiary (graafian) Follicle forms. Oocyte projects into antrum and forms bulge in the cortex. LH stimulates division to Metaphase 2 5. Oocyte released from ovary (ovulation). 2ndary oocyte is surrounded by corona radiata and moved to the uterine tube 6. LH stimulates the Corpus Luteum at the empty teritary follicle which produces progesterone 7. 12 days after ovulation corpus luteum degenerates into corpus albicans and ends the ovarian cycle. |
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Primordial follicle |
primary oocyte and surrounding follicle cells (squamous) |
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Progesterone |
A steroid hormone built from cholesterol in the corpus luteum which prepares the uterus for pregnancy by stimulating maturation fo the uterine lining and the secretions of uterine glands |
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Urterine Tube |
A hollow muscular tube, lined by ciliated columnar epithelium whcih provides a glycogen/lipid rich enviroment and consisting of 3 parts. 1. Infundibulum, the end closest to the ovary has fimbrae 2. Ampulla 3. Isthmus *Peristaltic contractions and peristalsis of smooth muscle move oocyte |
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Peg Cells |
Cells which project into the lumen of the uterine tube and secrete a fluid which completes capacitation |
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What are the three pairs of suspensory uterine ligaments |
1. Uterosacral Ligaments - Lateral uterus to anterior sacrum (prevent anterior/inferior movement 2. Round ligaments - lateral uterus, through inguinal canal to genetalia (resrtict posterior movement of the uterus) 3. Cardinal Ligaments - base of uterus and vagina to lateral pelvis (prevent inferior movement |
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Blood and nerve supply to the uterus |
Uterine arteries which are branches of the internal iliac arteries, and ovarian arteries which arise from the abdominal aorta Sympathetic innervation hypogastric plexus Parasympathetic from S3 &S4 *Sensory info from nerve roots T11 and T12. Segmental blocks during labor from T10-L1 |
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Three layers of the uterus |
1. Endometrium - Glandular layer 2. Myometrium - Layer of circular, oblique, longitudinal muscle 3. perimetrium - covers the fundus of the uterus and the posterior surface of the uterine body and is continuous with the parietal peritoneum |
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What are the 2 layers of the endometrium |
1. Functional zone which contains most of the uterine glands 2. basilar zone which connects the endometrium to the myometrium. |
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Describe the blood supply to the uterus |
Branches of the uterine arteries form arcuate arteries which encircle the endometrium in the myometrium. Radial arteries penetrate the endometrium and branch forming straight arteries (which supply blood to the basilar zone) and spiral arteries (which supply the functional zone) |
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Three phases of the uterine cycle |
1. Menses - Degeneration, sloughing (menstruation) occurs due to constriction of the spiral arteries. 1-7 days 2. Preoperative Phase - Cells in the basilar zone divide stimulated by estrogens secreted by developing ovarian follicles 3. Secretory Phase - Uterine glands enlarge and rate of secretion accelerates stimulated by progesterone and estrogens from the Corpus Luteum. Lasts 14 days |
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How is the date of ovulation calculated |
Because the secretory phase of the uterine cycle lasts 14 days, ovulation occurs 14 days prior to the first day of menses |
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Menarche |
The first menstual cycle |
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Menopause |
Termination of the uterine cycle |
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Dysmenorrhea |
Painful menstrual cycle |
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Amenorrhea |
Interrupted uterine cycle Primary Amenorrhea is failure to initiate menses. (Can indicate developmental abnormalities or malnutrition) *puberty is late if leptin levels are low Secondary amenorrhea - generally results from emotional or physical stress |
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Bulbospongiosus muscle and the vestibular bulbs |
Bubospongiosus muscles extend along the vaginal opening and constrict the vagina The overlie the vestibular bulbs which are masses of erectile tissue from the same embryonic origins as the corpus spongiosum |
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Paraurethral glands (Skene's Glands) |
Discharge into the urethra near the external urethral opening. |
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Greater Vestibular Glands (Bartholin's Glands) |
Located on either side of the distal vagina and secrete into the vestibule during arousal and intercourse |
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Describe the path of milk created during lactation |
Milk is secreted by tubuloalveolar glands and passed through lobule ducts to a main lactiferous duct which expands into a lactiferous sinus near the nipple. |
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How is Gonadotropin Releasing hormone effected by female sex hormones |
Estrogens decrease pulse frequency and progesterone decreases it GNRH stimulates the production and secretion of FSH and the production of LH |
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What is the most abundant estrogen |
Estradiol, dominant hormone prior to ovulation It is formed by conversion of androstenedione to testosterone and then to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase |
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Describe the follicular phase of hormonal regulation |
FSH stimulates some secondary follicles o develop into tertiary follicles. Inhibin release is a negative feedback loop Follicle secretes estrogens which in low concentrations inhibit LH but eventually reach a level prompting LH secretion. *basal body temp is lower during this phase |
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Describe the luteal phase of hormonal regulation |
Increased estrogen increases GnRH pulse frequency and stimulates LH secretion. A massive surge in LH on day 14 triggers completion of Meiosis 1, rupture of the follicular wallm ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum. Corpus luteum secretes progesterone which in turn stimulates endometrial development after ovulation, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels rise for 12 days before falling. |
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Cleavage |
Sequence of cell divisions that begins immediately following fertilization and produces identical cells called blastomeres. |
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Morula |
A ball of blastomeres and the way in which the pre-embryo arrives at the uterus |
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Blastocyst |
A hollow ball of blastomeres. The inner chamber is the blastocele |
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Trophoblast |
The outer layer of cells in a blastocyst which provides nutrients to the developing embryo. |
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Inner Cell Mass |
A cluster of cells at a pole of the blastocyst which will develop into the embryo. |
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Implantation |
Begins when the surface of the blastocyst closest to the inner cell mass adheres to the uterine lining. At the point of contact a synctial trophoblast forms and erodes a path through the uterine epithelium by hyaluronidase. @ Day 10 the blastocyst is completely surrounded by the e |
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Cellular trophoblast |
Cells closest to the interior of the blastocyst remain intact following implantation |
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Ectopic Pregnancy |
When implantation occurs somewhere other than the body or fundus of the uterus. ie. Fallopian tubes. |
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How does the blastocyst get nutrients |
Villi from the syncytial trophoblast surround endometrial capillaries and break them down allowing blood to perculate through lacunae |
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Amniotic Cavity |
Develops as the inner cell mass seperates from the trophoblast. |
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Gastrulation |
The formation of a third germ layer @ approximately day 12 via migration of superficial cells toward the primitive streak Results in a 3 layered sheet known as a embryonic disc. |
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Ectoderm |
Superficial cells which did not migrate to the interior of the blastodisc |
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Endoderm |
Cells that face the yolk sak |
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MEsoderm |
A poorly organized layer of cells between the ectoderm and endoderm |
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What for extraembryonic membranes are formed by the germ layers |
1. yolk sac 2. amnion 3. allantois 4. chorion |
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Yolk Sac |
A structure which forms a pouch within the blastocele and is the primary source of nutrients during early embryonic development |
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Amnion |
Formed by ectodermal cells which spread over the inner surface of the amniotic cavity and produce amniotic fluid which cushions the developing embryo |
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Allantois |
Begins as an outpocket of endoderm near the base of the yolk sac and grows toward the wall of the blastocyst, eventually forming the urinary bladder |
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Chorion |
Mesoderm assosciated with the allantois spreads around the entire blastocyst and forms the chorion. Blood vessels eventually form and the chorion forms the placenta |
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What does the ectoderm form |
Epidermis and integumentary glands Pharyngeal cartilages All neural tissue Pituitary gland and adrenal medulla |
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What does the mesoderm form |
Dermis and hypodermis Skeletal System Musculature Endocrine tissue of heart, kidneys, gonads Cardiovascular system Lymphatic System Kidneys Gonads |
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What does the endoderm form |
Thymus, Thyroid and Pancreas respiratory epithelium Digestive epithelium Urinary bladder and distal ducts Stem cells which produce gametes |
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What hormones are synthesized by the placenta |
1. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin 2. Human Placental Lactogen 3. Placental Prolactin 4. Relaxin 5. Progesterone 6. Estrogens |
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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin |
Resembles LH and maintains the integrity of the corpus lutuem and promotes secretion of progesterone. Appears in the blood soon after implantation and its presence in urine is an reliable indication of pregnancy |
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Human placental lactogen and placental prolactin |
Prepare the mammary glands for milk production |
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Relaxin |
Secreted by the placenta and corpus luteum during pregnancy. 1. increases flexibility of the pubic symphysis 2. dilates the cervix 3. Suppresses Oxytocin and delays labor contractions |
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Progesterone and Estrogens |
Following the 1st trimester the placenta produces enough progesterone to maintain endometrial lining. Increasing estrogen near the end of pregnancy plays a role in stimulating labor and delivery |
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What is the fate of the inner cell mass of the blastocyst |
Eventually forms the embryo |
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Improper development of which extraembryonic membranes would affect the cardiovascular system |
The yolk sac which is a mesoderm derived structure, gives rise to blood vessels and is important site of blood cell formation. |
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What are the major changes in maternal systems during pregancy |
1. Increase in respiratory rate and tidal volume 2. Increase in blood volume 3. Increase in nutrient requirements 4. Increase in gomerular filtration weight |
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What are the 3 stages of labor |
1. Dilation 2. Expulsion 3. Placental |
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Dilation Stage of Labor |
Cervix dilates and the fetus shifts. Contractions last up to 1.5 minutes and occur once every 10-30 minutes Amniochorionic membrane ruptures (water break) |
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Expulsion Stage |
Cervix is pushed open by the approaching fetus Contractions occur at 2-3 minute intervals and last approximately 1 minute. Results in delivery |
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Episiotomy |
An incision through the perineal musculature which temporarily enlarges the birth canal. Repaired following delivery |
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Apgar Score |
Heart rate, breathing, skin color, muscle tone, and reflex response on a 0-2 scale total score 8-10 = healthy baby |
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Placental Stage |
The placenta is ejected by continued muscle tension within the uterus. |
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What weight is the dividing line between spontaneous abortion and immature delivery |
500g |
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Breech Births |
Legs or buttocks enter the canal first |
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Dizygotic v monozygotic twins |
Two seperate oocytes are fertilized vs splitting of the blasotmeres during cleavage or splitting of the inner mass before gastrulation |
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What are the 5 life stages |
1. Neonatal 2. Infancy 3. Childhood 4. Adolescence 5. Maturity |
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Neonatal Period |
Birth-1month |
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Infancy |
1 month - 1 year |
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Childhood |
1 year to puberty |
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Colostrum |
Produced the first few days following delivery. Contains more proteins and antibodies and less fat than breast milk. |
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Milk Let down reflex |
1. Mammary glands tactile receptors stimulated 2. Transmitted to CNS 3. Paraventricular nucleus in hypothalamus stimulated 4. Oxytocin released from posterior pituitary 5. Oxytocin at the mammary gland causes contraction of myopithelial cells |
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What 3 major hormonal events interact at the onset of puberty |
1. GnRH production increases (dependent on adequate leptin) 2. Pituitary cells become more sensitive to GnRH and FSH and LH increase 3. FSH and LH trigger gamete production, secretion of sex hormones and closure of epiphyseal cartilages. |
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Teratogens |
Factors that result in abnormal development |
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Translocation v Crossing over |
Translocation is genetic exchange between non homologous chromosomes and crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes |
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What gene specifies sex |
SRY gene on the Y chromosome |