Sensory Nerves That Detect the Pressure of the Fetal Head

question 131

Multiple Choice

Sensory nerves that detect the pressure of the fetal head on the cervix send signals that stimulate the release of oxytocin from the pituitary. As a result,

• A) glands in the breast tissue start producing milk to feed the infant.
• B) the endometrium of the uterus is stimulated, causing the fetus and the placenta to be released from the uterine wall.
• C) the myometrium of the uterus is inhibited, which reduces the pressure on the cervix.
• D) contractions of the myometrium are stimulated, which further increases pressure on the cervix.
• E) oxytocin acts like a natural opiate to inhibit subsequent transmission of pain signals.

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Definitions:

Genomic Imprinting

An epigenetic phenomenon by which certain genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, meaning that the expression of such genes is determined by the parent from whom the gene was inherited.

Paternal

Relating to or characteristic of a father, including genetic inheritance or social roles associated with fatherhood.

Maternal Inheritance

The genetic transmission of genes and traits exclusively from the mother, often seen in mitochondrial DNA.

Phenotype

The set of observable characteristics or traits of an organism that result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.