Competency 1- The family before birth

1. Explain the structure and function of the female reproductive system.

Structure/Function of the female reproductive system

 Uterus: the development of the fetus takes place.
 Vagina: is a canal that connects the vulva to the cervix.
 Cervix: the lower part of uterus, sometimes called the neck of
the uterus.
 Ovary: organs of gamete production. The development and
release of the ovum & the secretion of estrogen and
progesterone are the primary functions.
 Fallopian tube: (oviducts) conveys the ovum from the ovary
to the uterus and sperm from the uterus toward the ovary, via
ciliary action and peristaltic contraction.

2. Describe normal fetal development from conception thru

birth.

Human Stages of Development- 40 weeks in total

 Pre-embryonic: fertilization- 2nd week- where the fertilized ovum enters the uterus.
 Embryonic: end of the 2nd week – 8th week. Basic structures of all body organs and the
main external features are completed at this period.
 Fetal Stage: end of the 8th week – birth. Longest period of fetal developed. All major
systems are developed and go through a dramatic refinement and growth.

3. Compare the structure and function of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic
fluid.

Structure of the Placenta

 Maternal Component: (Duncan)
 Fetal Component: (Shultz)
 Endocrine gland
 Metabolic, respiratory & excretory organ
 Immunologic system: IgG- protects the infant by providing some immunity, usually
transferred to the fetus during the last trimester.
 Protective barrier/transport

Function of the Placenta- serves as the lungs, kidneys and GI tract for the fetus.
 It serves as the interface (pass-through not a barrier) between the mother and fetus.
 It serves as an endocrine gland producing hormones to control the physiology changes of
the mother.
 It also protects the fetus from immune attack by the mother.
 It removes waste products from the fetus.
 It also induces the mother to bring more food to the placenta.
Hormones produced by the Placenta
 hCG: basis for pregnancy test
 hPL/hCS: modulates fetal and maternal metabolism, participates in the development of
maternal breast for lactation, and decreases maternal insulin sensitivity to increase its
availability for fetal nutrition. (Human placental lactogen)
 Estrogen: stimulates uterine contractions, causes enlargement of a woman’s breast, uterus
and external genitalia. (estriol)
 Progesterone: provides nourishment for early conceptus, decreases the contractility of the
uterus, stimulates maternal metabolism. (progestin)
 Relaxin: acts with progesterone to maintain pregnancy, causes relaxation of the pelvic
ligaments, softens the cervix in preparation for birth.

Structure of the Umbilical Cord- lifeline from the mother to fetus/embryo. At term average
length is 22-in long & 1-in wide
 Formed from the amnion
 Lifeline from the mother to the growing embryo
 Contains one large vein and two small arteries. Umbilical Vein carries oxygenated blood
and nutrients from placenta to fetus. Umbilical Arteries carries deoxygenated blood and
waste products to the placenta to the mother for excretion, after birthing these switch.
 Wharton’s jelly surrounds the vein and arteries to prevent compression during labor.

Function of the Fetal Membranes: (Bag of water)

Inner membrane, amnion, contains the amniotic fluid, outer
membrane, chorion, contains amnion and part of the placenta
 Helps maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus
 Permits symmetric growth and development
 Cushions the fetus from trauma
 Allows the umbilical cord to be relatively free of
compression
 Promotes fetal movement to enhance musculoskeletal
development

Amniotic fluid surrounds the embryo and increases as the pregnancy progresses, reaching 1-L at
term. It is derived from two sources: fluid transported from the maternal blood across the amnion
and fetal urine.

Normal amount 700-1000 mL

Oligohydramnios: Abnormal amount less than 50% or 400 mL- usually associated with poor
fetal lung development malfunctions due to decrease in urine excretion because of a blocked
ureter or inadequate placenta blood flow. 4% pregnancies.
Polyhydramnios/Hydramnios: Excessive amount more than 2000 mL-can signify that the fetus is
having severe malformation of the CNS and/or GI system. 2% of pregnancies.
 Vocabulary

Breast: Fallopian tubes:

Cervix:
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH):

Endometrium:

Genes:
Estrogen:

Genetic Counseling:

Genetics:

Ovulation:
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):

Penis:

Menarche:
Placenta:

Ovaries: Pre-embryonic Stage:

Progesterone:

Testes:
Teratogen:

Umbilical Cord:
Vagina:

Uterus: Vulva:
Zygote: