A&P 2 pregnancy and fetal circulation flashcards
This study set contains flashcards on pregnancy and fetal circulation, covering key physiological concepts, structures, and functions essential for college-level biology.
Quiz(56 questions)
1. What hormone is critical for the maintenance of pregnancy?
Terms in this Study Set(56)
Pregnancy Physiology(16)
What hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy?
Progesterone - It prepares the uterine lining for implantation and helps maintain pregnancy.
True or false: Estrogen levels decrease during pregnancy.
False - Estrogen levels increase significantly to support fetal development.
Name two anatomical changes during pregnancy.
1. Increased blood volume 2. Enlarged uterus
How does cardiac output change in pregnancy?
Cardiac output increases by 30-50% to meet the demands of the growing fetus.
What is the function of relaxin during pregnancy?
Relaxin helps to relax the pelvic ligaments and cervix to facilitate childbirth.
Fill in the blank: During pregnancy, the mother's blood pressure typically _____.
decreases slightly then stabilizes.
Cause → Effect: Increased progesterone levels lead to _____
Relaxation of smooth muscle and decreased uterine contractions.
What happens to respiratory rate during pregnancy?
It increases to meet higher oxygen demands for both mother and fetus.
True or false: The placenta is fully formed by the end of the first trimester.
True - The placenta is mature and takes over nutrient exchange by then.
Comparison: Blood volume vs. plasma volume increase during pregnancy.
Blood volume increases by 40-50%, plasma volume increases by 50-70%.
What is the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
hCG maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates progesterone production in early pregnancy.
Name one physical symptom of pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) due to increased hCG levels.
Fill in the blank: During pregnancy, the body undergoes ____ changes.
metabolic and hormonal changes.
What is the significance of increased renal blood flow in pregnancy?
It enhances waste removal and increases urine production to support maternal and fetal health.
How does the body adapt to increased metabolic demands during pregnancy?
Increased appetite and changes in nutrient absorption occur to support fetal growth.
True or false: Pregnancy leads to a decrease in basal metabolic rate.
False - Basal metabolic rate increases to support fetal development.
Fetal Circulation(20)
What is the purpose of fetal circulation?
To supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while removing waste products.
True or False: Fetal blood is oxygenated in the lungs.
False: Fetal blood is oxygenated in the placenta, not the lungs.
What are the main structures of fetal circulation?
- Umbilical arteries - Umbilical vein - Ductus arteriosus - Foramen ovale - Ductus venosus
Fill in the blank: The ductus _____ connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
arteriosus
How does oxygenated blood reach the fetus?
Through the umbilical vein, delivering oxygenated blood from the placenta.
What is the function of the foramen ovale?
Allows blood to bypass the right ventricle and flow directly to the left atrium.
Cause → Effect: Why does blood flow from the right atrium to the left atrium?
Due to the presence of the foramen ovale, bypassing the lungs.
True or False: The umbilical arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the placenta.
False: The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
What happens to the ductus arteriosus at birth?
It closes, allowing normal pulmonary circulation to begin.
Comparison: Ductus venosus vs. Umbilical vein.
Ductus venosus: bypasses liver; Umbilical vein: carries oxygenated blood from placenta.
How does fetal circulation adapt at birth?
Structures like the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus close, redirecting blood flow.
What is the role of the umbilical arteries?
To transport deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta for oxygenation.
What is the significance of the ductus venosus?
It allows oxygenated blood to bypass the fetal liver and enter systemic circulation.
Fill in the blank: The left atrium receives blood from the _____ via the foramen ovale.
right atrium
Cause → Effect: Why do fetal lungs not participate in gas exchange?
They are filled with fluid, and gas exchange occurs at the placenta.
What is the pathway of blood from the placenta to the fetus?
Placenta → Umbilical vein → Ductus venosus → Inferior vena cava → Right atrium.
True or False: Systemic circulation in the fetus is identical to that of adults.
False: Fetal circulation has unique structures and pathways that differ from adults.
What vessels carry blood away from the fetus?
Umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
Comparison: Fetal vs. Adult Circulation.
Fetal: bypasses lungs; Adult: directs blood to lungs for oxygenation.
How does blood bypass the lungs in fetal circulation?
Blood bypasses the lungs through: - Foramen ovale (right to left atrium) - Ductus arteriosus (pulmonary artery to aorta) These structures allow the fetus to avoid using non-functional lungs for oxygen exchange.
Placental Function(12)
What is the primary function of the placenta?
The placenta facilitates nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.
True or False: The placenta is an organ shared by the mother and fetus.
False: The placenta is a separate organ that forms from both maternal and fetal tissues.
How does the placenta protect the fetus?
It acts as a barrier to pathogens and produces hormones that support pregnancy.
Fill in the blank: The placenta secretes ________ to maintain pregnancy.
hormones like progesterone and hCG.
Compare maternal and fetal blood in the placenta.
Maternal blood is oxygen-rich; fetal blood is oxygen-poor, facilitating efficient gas exchange.
What role does diffusion play in placental function?
Diffusion allows nutrients like glucose and oxygen to move from maternal to fetal blood.
Cause → Effect: Placental hormones increase maternal blood volume.
This ensures adequate blood supply for fetal growth and development.
What is the significance of the placental barrier?
It selectively allows substances to pass, protecting the fetus from harmful agents.
True or False: The placenta only supports nutrient transfer.
False: It also regulates waste removal and hormone production.
List two nutrients exchanged via the placenta.
- Glucose - Amino acids
What happens to the placenta after childbirth?
It is expelled from the body, commonly referred to as the afterbirth.
How does maternal blood flow affect fetal development?
Increased maternal blood flow ensures sufficient nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Complications and Considerations(8)
Gestational diabetes impact on fetus?
- Increased fetal glucose levels - Risk of macrosomia - Possible neonatal hypoglycemia
True or False: Maternal hypertension usually improves fetal circulation.
False - Maternal hypertension can reduce uteroplacental blood flow, affecting fetal oxygen and nutrient delivery.
What complications arise from preeclampsia?
- Reduced placental perfusion - Fetal growth restriction - Risk of premature birth
Compare placenta previa and placental abruption.
Placenta previa: Placenta covers cervix. Placental abruption: Placenta detaches from uterus prematurely.
Fill in the blank: Maternal smoking can lead to ______ in fetal circulation.
Hypoxia and low birth weight.
Cause of amniotic fluid embolism?
Amniotic fluid enters maternal circulation, leading to severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
What is the effect of maternal infections on fetal circulation?
- Inflammation can restrict blood flow. - Increased risk of congenital infections. - Possible preterm labor.
Describe the impact of multiple pregnancies on fetal circulation.
- Increased risk of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. - Compromised blood flow in one or more fetuses.
Questions in this Study Set(56)
1. What hormone is critical for the maintenance of pregnancy?
2. What is a potential consequence of gestational diabetes on fetal health?
3. What is the primary role of the umbilical vein in fetal circulation?
4. What is the primary role of the placenta during pregnancy?
5. True or false: Estrogen levels peak during pregnancy.
6. Which statement about maternal hypertension is true?
7. Which structure allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium in fetal circulation?
8. Which statement about the placenta is true?
9. Which of the following is an anatomical change during pregnancy?
10. What complication is commonly associated with preeclampsia?
11. What happens to the foramen ovale at birth?
12. How does the placenta support fetal immunity?
13. How does cardiac output change during pregnancy?
14. How do placenta previa and placental abruption differ?
15. Which of the following statements about the ductus arteriosus is true?
16. Fill in the blank: The placenta secretes ________ to help maintain pregnancy.
17. What is the primary function of relaxin during pregnancy?
18. Maternal smoking primarily affects fetal circulation by causing:
19. What effect does the presence of fluid in the fetal lungs have on circulation?
20. What is the oxygen status of maternal blood compared to fetal blood in the placenta?
21. During pregnancy, the mother's blood pressure typically:
22. Which factor is responsible for amniotic fluid embolism?
23. Which vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta?
24. What process allows the transfer of nutrients from maternal blood to fetal blood?
25. Cause → Effect: Increased progesterone levels lead to _____.
26. What effect do maternal infections generally have on fetal circulation?
27. In fetal circulation, where does the ductus venosus direct blood?
28. Cause → Effect: Increased production of placental hormones leads to what outcome?
29. How does the respiratory rate typically change during pregnancy?
30. Which is NOT a consequence of multiple pregnancies on fetal circulation?
31. What is the fate of the ductus venosus after birth?
32. What is the purpose of the placental barrier?
33. True or false: The placenta is fully functional by the end of the first trimester.
34. True or False: Blood in the umbilical arteries is oxygenated.
35. True or False: The placenta is responsible only for nutrient transfer.
36. Which statement is true regarding blood volume changes in pregnancy?
37. What bypasses the liver in fetal circulation?
38. Which two nutrients are primarily exchanged via the placenta?
39. What is the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in early pregnancy?
40. How does blood return to the fetal heart from the placenta?
41. What occurs to the placenta following childbirth?
42. Name one common physical symptom of pregnancy caused by hormonal changes.
43. Which structure is NOT part of fetal circulation?
44. How does increased maternal blood flow impact fetal development?
45. During pregnancy, the body undergoes ____ changes.
46. What is the main purpose of fetal circulation?
47. What is the importance of increased renal blood flow during pregnancy?
48. What occurs to the blood flow pathways during the transition to postnatal circulation?
49. How does the body adapt to higher metabolic demands during pregnancy?
50. True or False: The ductus arteriosus remains open throughout life.
51. True or false: Pregnancy leads to a decrease in basal metabolic rate.
52. What happens to the umbilical arteries after birth?
53. How is oxygenated blood initially supplied to the fetal brain?
54. Fill in the blank: The _____ is responsible for preventing blood from flowing into the pulmonary arteries in the fetus.
55. Which structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in fetal circulation?
56. What is the primary reason why blood does not flow through the fetal lungs?
Related Study Sets
Ruhepotenzial Ionenverteilung Zusammenfassung
Erregungsleitung saltatorisch und kontinuierlich fürs Abi
Abiturwissen: Synapsengifte und Drogen
Abi-Lernzettel: EPSP und IPSP Verrechnung
Abi-Lernzettel: Sehvorgang Fototransduktion Stäbchen
Neuronale Plastizität Lernen und Gedächtnis Zusammenfassung
Parkinson und Alzheimer Neurobiologie Lernzettel
Schilddrüse Regelkreis Thyroxin Lernzettel
Create Your Own Study Set
Upload a PDF, paste your notes, or describe a topic – AI generates flashcards, quizzes and more in seconds.
