IB 11.4 Gestation

What does the image show?

Which hormone does this structure produce and what is its direct effect?

• hCG to maintain the endometrium

• hCG to maintain the corpus luteum

• Progesterone to maintain the endometrium

• Progesterone to maintain the corpus luteum

What is highlighted yellow on the image?

What is the function of the corpus luteum in sustaining pregnancy?

• Secretes hCG for the first 12 weeks

• Secretes progesterone for the first 12 weeks

• Secretes hCG for the last 28 weeks

• Secretes progesterone for the last 28 weeks

What are the functions of the placenta?

• Secrete progesterone to sustain pregnancy after the first 12 weeks

• Exchange materials by mixing maternal and foetal blood

• Secrete hCG to sustain pregnancy for the first 12 weeks

• Exchange materials by providing an exchange surface for diffusion

Which hormones sustain pregnancy from 12-40 weeks?

• hCG

• FSH

• Oestrogen

• Progesterone

What is the importance of oestrogen in sustaining pregnancy?

• It prevents ovulation

• It prevents the maturation of a follicle in the ovaries

• It increases production of progesterone

• It prevents the endometrium from shedding

Which of these events occurs first, after fertilisation?

• Development of a blastocyst

• Implantation

• hCG production

• Corpus luteum breakdown

Which of these events occurs last?

• Production of progesterone by the placenta

• Corpus luteum breaks down

• Blastocyst develops into a foetus

• hCG is produced

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy carry the highest risk of miscarriage. Describe the events that might end a pregnancy in the first 12 weeks (assuming no outside intervention).