Embryology

Question 1

Functions of placenta

Answer 1

Synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol & glycogen
Transporting waste products, antibodies, gases and steroid hormones
Production of hormones
Providing a barrier between maternal and fetal blood

Question 2

Function of placental estrogens

Answer 2

Stimulate growth of maternal myometrium
Antagonise the maternal myometrial suppressing activity of other hormones
Stimulate maternal mammary gland ductal growth
Stimulate maternal mammary gland alveolar growth
Stimulate development of female fetal ovaries

Question 3

Blood circulation to the fetus at birth is stopped by

Answer 3

Expansion of Wharton’s Jelly
Contraction of smooth muscle cells in the walls of the umbilical arteries
Contraction of the spiral arteries