What is foetal ejection reflex? Explain how it leads to parturition?
Foetal ejection reflex encompasses the mild uterine contractions in response to the signals that originate from the fully developed foetus and the placenta. This triggers release of oxytocin from maternal pituitary. Oxytocin acts on the uterine muscle and causes stronger contractions, which in turn stimulates further secretion of oxytocin.
The stimulatory reflex between the uterine contraction and oxytocin secretion continues resulting in stronger and stronger contractions leading to the expulsion of baby out of uterus through birth canal.
Except endocrine function, what are the other functions of placenta.
Placenta is structural and functional unit between developing embryo (foetus) and maternal body.
Placenta acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), human Placental Lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progesterones, etc.
Other than the endocrine function, placenta also facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and removes carbon dioxide and excretory/waste materials produced by the developing faetus..
Why doctors recommend breast feeding during initial period of infant growth?
The milk produced during the initial few days of lactation is called colostrum which contains several antibodies (especially 1gA) essential to develop resistance in the new-born babies against diseases. Breast-feeding during the initial period of infant growth is recommended by doctors for bringing up a healthy baby.
What are the events that take place in the ovary and uterus during follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
The major events of the menstrual cycle are menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulatory phase and luteal phase.
The follicular phase follows the menstrual phase. During this phase, the primary follicles in the ovary grow to become a fully mature Graafian follicle and simultaneously the endometrium of uterus regenerates through proliferation. These changes in the ovary and the uterus are induced by changes in the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones.
The secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) increases gradually during the follicular phase and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of estrogens by the growing follicles.
Both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14th day). This rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level induces rupture of Graafian follicle to release ovum.
Given below is a flow chart showing ovarian changes during menstrual cycle. Fill in the spaces giving the name of the hormones responsible for the events shown.
The secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) increases gradually during the follicular phase and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of estrogens. Rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level during the midcycle (14th day) of menstrual cycle induces rupture of Graafian follicle to release ovum.
The remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy.
