The Maternal Organism

Biology of Gestation, Volume I: The Maternal Organism, is the first of a two-volume treatise that aims to fill the void which exists among the various disciplines that deal with the process of gestation. This work brings together in a comprehensive form basic knowledge acquired through intensive research work carried out by many investigators in the various disciplines that deal directly or indirectly with the process of gestation. Hence, it should prove to be of great interest to the student, the research worker, and the academically oriented individual in the general field of reproduction and in the specific fields of obstetrics and pediatrics. The treatise should also provide a source of basic information to the clinician in obstetrics and pediatrics which should assist him in the interpretation and understanding of the underlying.
The present book deals with the maternal organism and the changes that occur during gestation. It opens with a chapter on the mechanism of ovulation and its control. Subsequent chapters deal with the problems of gametogenesis, fertilization, migration, and implantation of the ovum; and various morphological and physiological aspects of the placenta. The final two chapters discuss the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in labor, the puerperium, and lactation; and the physiological processes that adjust the maternal organism to pregnancy.

Contenu

Contributors to this Volume
List of Contributors
Preface
Chapter 1 The Neural Control of Ovulation
I. Introduction
II. The Nervous System and Pituitary Function
III. Neural Control of Ovulation
IV. Integration of Ovulation and Other Reproductive Processes
V. The Ontogeny of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology
VI. A Hypothesis of the Neural Control of GTH Secretion
References
Chapter 2 Gametogenesis to Implantation
I. Origin and Migration of Primordial Germ Cells
II. Gametogenesis
III. Capacitation
IV. Tubal Factors
V. Fertilization 76
VI. Preimplantation Stages of Development
VII. Preparation for Implantation
References
Chapter 3 Morphology of the Placenta
I. Introduction
II. Comparative Anatomy of the Placenta and Fetal Membranes
III. Chorioallantoic Placentation
IV. Decidua and Placental Junctional Zone
V. Morphogenesis of the Human Placenta
VI. Regional Anatomy of the Human Placenta
VII. Placental Vascular Anatomy
VIII. Human Placental Ultrastructure
IX. Summary
References
Chapter 4 Physiology of the Placenta
I. Uteroplacental Circulation
IIA. Placental Transfer-the Use of Tracer Methods for the Study of Placental Transmission
IIB. Placental Transfer-Transport Systems and Transfer of Specific Substances
III. Dynamics of Amniotic Fluid
References
Chapter 5 Placental Hormones
I. Historical Introduction
II. Protein Hormones
III. Placental Steroids
References
Chapter 6 Regulation of Myometrial Composition, Growth, and Activity
I. Introduction: the Myometrium: Muscle under Neurohormonal Control
II. The Smooth Muscle Cell
III. Membrane Potential, Contraction, and Ionic Environment
IV. Neural and Endocrine Control of the Uterus
V. Uterine Growth and Metabolism
References
Chapter 7 The Pregnant Uterus: Process of Labor, Puerperium, and Lactation
I. Introduction
II. Labor
III. Physiology of the Puerperium
IV. Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation
References
Chapter 8 Maternal Physiological Adjustments
I. Introduction
II. Blood Volume and Composition
III. Cardiovascular Dynamics
IV. Respiratory Function
V. Renal Function
VI. Alimentary Function
VII. Metabolism of Water and Electrolytes
VIII. The Nature of Weight Gain during Pregnancy
IX. Energy Metabolism
X. Metabolism of Minerals and Vitamins
References
Author Index
Subject Index