1.
What are the three recognized hormonal changes that increase uterine excitability?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Estrogen/Progesterone ratio decreases
D. Oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary
F. Cortisol/prostaglandin release from fetus and fetal membranes, respectively
Explanation
The three recognized hormonal changes that increase uterine excitability are: 1) Estrogen/Progesterone ratio decreases, which means that the levels of estrogen decrease relative to progesterone. 2) Oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary, which is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. 3) Cortisol/prostaglandin release from fetus and fetal membranes, respectively. Cortisol and prostaglandins are both hormones that can increase uterine contractions.
2.
Fill in the blanks: put the word that should go in each blank in the text box below, separated by comas.
Facts about oxytocin: The _________ increases its amount of oxytocin receptors and responsiveness the a given dose of oxytocin in the last few months of pregnancy. The ______ of oxytocin release by the posterior pituitary spikes at labor. In animals without a pituitary gland, _____ is prolonged. _________ or irritation of the cervix is transmitted by nerve signals back to the hypothalamus which increases oxytocin secretion.
Correct Answer(s)
myometrium
rate
labor
Stretching
Explanation
During the last few months of pregnancy, the myometrium, which is the muscular layer of the uterus, increases its amount of oxytocin receptors and responsiveness to a given dose of oxytocin. This is important for the contraction of the uterus during labor. The rate of oxytocin release by the posterior pituitary also spikes at labor, facilitating the progression of labor. In animals without a pituitary gland, labor is prolonged. Additionally, stretching or irritation of the cervix sends nerve signals back to the hypothalamus, which in turn increases oxytocin secretion, further enhancing uterine contractions during labor.
3.
Which of the following is true (you can choose more than one)?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Smooth muscle of the uterus increases its contractility when stretched
B. Multiple gestation expedites delivery because of stretching/irritation of cervix
F. Fetal membranes include the chorion and amnion
Explanation
Smooth muscle of the uterus increases its contractility when stretched: This is true because when the uterus is stretched, it triggers the release of hormones that increase the contractility of the smooth muscle, leading to stronger contractions during labor.
Multiple gestation expedites delivery because of stretching/irritation of cervix: This is true because in multiple gestation (having twins or more), the increased size and weight of the uterus puts more pressure on the cervix, leading to its stretching and irritation, which can result in earlier delivery.
Fetal membranes include the chorion and amnion: This is true because the fetal membranes consist of two layers, the chorion (outer layer) and the amnion (inner layer), which protect and nourish the developing fetus during pregnancy.
4.
The empty yellow box right below should say:
Correct Answer
C. Estrogen
Explanation
The correct answer is Estrogen. The empty yellow box below lists different hormones, and the question is asking for the correct answer among them. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and maintenance of pregnancy.
5.
All of these are common methods of labor induction, EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
C. Vaginal suppositories of oxytocin
Explanation
Vaginal suppositories of oxytocin is not a common method of labor induction. Oxytocin is typically administered through intravenous infusion to induce or augment labor. Vaginal suppositories are commonly used for the administration of prostaglandin, which helps to ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions. Intravenous oxytocin is also a common method of labor induction, as it stimulates uterine contractions. Artificially rupturing the amniotic sac, also known as amniotomy, is another method used to induce or speed up labor.
6.
Please describe the fetal lie and presentation of this baby:
Correct Answer(s)
B. Lie: transverse
E. Presentation: shoulder
Explanation
The fetal lie refers to the orientation of the baby's spine in relation to the mother's spine. In this case, the correct answer states that the lie is transverse, meaning the baby's spine is perpendicular to the mother's spine. The presentation refers to the part of the baby that is closest to the birth canal. The correct answer states that the presentation is shoulder, indicating that the baby's shoulder is the part that will come out first during delivery.
7.
Please describe how exogenous oxytocin administration could kill the baby if given excess during the 2nd stage of labor, but also save the mother if given in the 3rd stage of labor.
What is the underlying physiology that connects these two facts?