polyhydramios and swallowing reflex

[MudPhud20XX]

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I was reviewing Kaplan neuro and it explains that in caudal neuropore defect, alpha-fetoprotein is normal b/c the caudal end of the spinal cord plays no role in swallowing reflex, whereas there is an increase in alpha-fetoprotein in anencephaly which leads to no swallowing reflex. This all make sense, but can anyone explain how a fetus removes amniotic fluid by swallowing? I mean do they drink the amniotic fluid and pee out? Just out of curiosity how this works. Many thanks in advance.

 

[ChessMaster3000]

I was reviewing Kaplan neuro and it explains that in caudal neuropore defect, alpha-fetoprotein is normal b/c the caudal end of the spinal cord plays no role in swallowing reflex, whereas there is an increase in alpha-fetoprotein in anencephaly which leads to no swallowing reflex. This all make sense, but can anyone explain how a fetus removes amniotic fluid by swallowing? I mean do they drink the amniotic fluid and pee out? Just out of curiosity how this works. Many thanks in advance.

yep, that's right. also some of that amniotic fluid goes down the trachea and helps expand the lungs. thats why fetuses with renal agenesis have hypoplastic lungs and are incompativel with life

 

[ulikedaggers]

I was reviewing Kaplan neuro and it explains that in caudal neuropore defect, alpha-fetoprotein is normal b/c the caudal end of the spinal cord plays no role in swallowing reflex, whereas there is an increase in alpha-fetoprotein in anencephaly which leads to no swallowing reflex. This all make sense, but can anyone explain how a fetus removes amniotic fluid by swallowing? I mean do they drink the amniotic fluid and pee out? Just out of curiosity how this works. Many thanks in advance.

Yup, and that explains why fetal duodenal atresia leads to polyhydramnios.

Edit: And by duodenal atresia, I meant esophageal atresia.. though duodenal atresia might cause polyhydramnios too.

 

[ChessMaster3000]

Yup, and that explains why fetal duodenal atresia leads to polyhydramnios.

Edit: And by duodenal atresia, I meant esophageal atresia.. though duodenal atresia might cause polyhydramnios too.

It does--re: Down's syndrome