Name the two primitive duct systems that males and females have in early embryo.
- Mullerian
Which primitive duct system develops, and which degenerates in males?
(Opposite in females)
Describe the development of male reproductive system in terms of hormones.
Define estimated date of delivery.
40 weeks from the first day of the LMP
Reality gestational age is 14 days less as ovulation is at day 14 of cycle
Define the following times of delivery:
a) At term
b) Pre-term
c) Post-term
a) 37-42 weeks
b) before 37 weeks
c) after 42 weeks
Describe the role of prostaglandins in parturition.
Describe the role of relaxin in parturition.
Describe the role of oxytocin in parturition.
What are the two things that are required for successful labor?
- Contractions of the uterine myometrium
State the 3 stages of labour.
1- Onset of regular contractions to fully dilated cervix - Cervical dilation
2- Delivery of baby - Fully dilated cervix to birth (around 1 hour)
3- Expulsion of the placenta and the membranes (Up to one hour)
Describe the two phases of the first stage of labour.
Stage = Onset of regular contractions to a fully dilated cervix
Phase 1 = Latent Phase
Phase 2 = Active Phase
Describe the second stage of labour.
Stage = full cervical dilation to birth
Describe the third stage of labour.
Stage = Expulsion of the placenta and membranes
What is the name of the shrinkage of the uterus to pre-pregnancy size?
Post-partum involution (takes 4-6 weeks, fall in oestrogen and progesterone levels)
What is meant by full dilation?
Dilation to 10cm
What is a key trigger of labour?
What are the stages of breast physiological development?
Which hormone stimulates duct development during pregnancy?
Oestrogen
Which hormone stimulates Lobule development during pregnancy?
Progesterone
Which hormones stimulates the production/synthesis of milk?
Prolactin
a) Name the two cells which are involved in lactation and secretion of milk.
b) state the hormones that stimulate these cells respectively.
1- Secretory alveoli/acini cells - produce milk stimulated by prolactin
2- Contractile myo-epithelial cells surround each alveolus stimulated by oxytocin
Why does prolactin have no effect on lactation before parturition?
Oestrogen and progesterone levels are high prior to parturition
These hormones inhibit the effects of prolactin
Explain the neurohormonal reflexes that control milk production during lactation.
Suckling -> Mechanoreceptors in nipple stimulates -> hypothalamus stimulated -> decrease in prolactin-inhibiting hormone and increase in prolactin-releasing hormone -> stimulates the anterior pituitary -> increase in prolactin -> stimulates milk secretion
Suckling -> Mechanoreceptors -> hypothalamus -> nervous pathway stimulates the posterior pituitary -> Increase in Oxytocin -> contraction of myoepithelial cells around alveoli -> milk ejection
What happens to milk production after weaning?
No suckling -> no oxytocin -> no milk ejection -> build up of milk -> pressure build up acts directly on epithelial cells -> no milk
No suckling -> no prolactin -> no milk