Pregnancy Complications: A Guide to Common Issues
Pregnancy Complications
Abortion
Definition
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before 5 months (20 weeks).
Types
- Spontaneous
- Provoked
- Therapeutic
Causes
The most common cause is a malformation of the zygote.
Complications
- Bleeding
- Septic abortion
- Complications of curettage
Prevention
Comprehensive monitoring from the beginning of pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Definition
An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that occurs outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tubes.
Causes
Retention of the egg in the
Read MoreRelationship and Reproduction in Living Beings
Role of Relationships
Stimuli and Responses
Relationships allow living things to receive information from the environment and respond accordingly. The information received, causing a response, is called a stimulus.
Stimuli range from simple to complex:
- Venus Flytrap: This carnivorous plant closes its leaves when an insect lands on them.
- Crane: The arrival of the breeding season initiates courtship displays to attract a mate.
A behavior is a sequence of actions, triggered by a stimulus, resulting in
Read MoreCell Cycle and Division: Mitosis and Meiosis Explained
Cell Cycle and DNA Variation
How would you explain to someone not seeing the graphics how the amount of DNA varies over time?
- G1 phase: One unit of DNA.
- S phase: DNA synthesis; DNA duplicates.
- G2 phase: Chromosomes begin to form; DNA is double the amount in G1.
- M phase: Mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis
Mitosis involves nuclear division where the nuclear envelope breaks down and chromosomes condense. Then, the nucleus splits into two.
Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm.
Phases of Mitosis
Anaphase:
Read MoreStages of Embryonic and Fetal Development
Fetal Development
3 Months
Fetal stage begins, human aspect develops, primary ossification centers appear in long bones and skull, and external genitalia develop.
11 Weeks
Initial development of nails and fingers occurs. The neck is set, and sex can be distinguished. Between 9 and 11 weeks, urine starts to be released into the amniotic fluid.
12 Weeks
The fetus measures 8cm and begins to exhibit fetal movements. It has thin skin and primitive ears. The liver is the primary producer of red blood cells.
Read MoreSpecialized Cell Membrane Structures and Functions
Specialized Cell Membrane Structures
Specialized membranes are morphological or structural distinctions of the cell’s plasma membrane that enable specific functions. While present in various cell types, they are particularly common in polarized cells. These cells exhibit distinct apical, basal, and lateral poles, with the lateral walls connecting to neighboring cells. Lateral membranes differ and are classified based on their location:
Apical Membrane Specializations
- Microvilli: Cylindrical cytoplasmic
Lysosomes: Function, Pathology, and Clinical Significance
Digestion and Product Reuse: The majority of substances digested by lysosomes (heterolysosomes, autolysosomes, secondary lysosomes) are reused. Through membrane porins, they enter the hyaloplasm where they are utilized. Excretion: Undigested material remaining in lysosomes can be removed from the cell via exocytosis (cellular microdefecation). However, sometimes the cell cannot remove this material, retaining it until cell death. Residual Bodies: A residual body is a heterolysosome vacuole, or a
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