Motherhood Biology: 15 flashcards
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1. What is the biological definition of motherhood?
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The state of being a mother, involving physiological and behavioral adaptations for the care and nurturing of offspring.
2. Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk production?
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**Prolactin**
3. What is the role of oxytocin in motherhood?
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**Oxytocin** stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding, and promotes maternal bonding.
4. Define lactation.
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The process of producing and secreting milk from the mammary glands for feeding offspring.
5. What is colostrum and why is it important?
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**Colostrum** is the first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients, providing passive immunity to the newborn.
6. Explain the maternal-fetal conflict theory.
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An evolutionary conflict where the fetus tries to extract more resources from the mother than is optimal for her, leading to adaptations and counter-adaptations.
7. What is the role of the hormone human placental lactogen (hPL)?
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**hPL** modifies maternal metabolism to ensure adequate nutrient supply to the fetus, and prepares mammary glands for lactation.
8. What are the three stages of labor?
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1. **Dilation** (cervix opens), 2. **Expulsion** (baby is delivered), 3. **Placental** (placenta is expelled).
9. What is the let-down reflex?
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A neuroendocrine reflex where oxytocin release causes milk ejection from the mammary glands in response to infant suckling.
10. How does progesterone contribute to maintaining pregnancy?
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**Progesterone** maintains the uterine lining, prevents contractions, and inhibits lactation until after birth.
11. What is the biological significance of maternal bonding?
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Maternal bonding ensures offspring survival by promoting care, protection, and nurturing behaviors, often mediated by oxytocin.
12. What is the role of estrogen in motherhood?
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**Estrogen** promotes uterine growth, mammary gland development, and triggers the onset of labor by increasing uterine sensitivity to oxytocin.
13. Define gestation period.
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The time between conception and birth during which the fetus develops in the uterus; in humans, approximately 40 weeks.
14. What is the function of the placenta?
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The **placenta** facilitates nutrient, gas, and waste exchange between mother and fetus, and produces hormones like hCG, progesterone, and estrogen.
15. What is the Apgar score used for?
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A quick assessment of a newborn's health based on Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, typically done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
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