Function Of The Placenta

Question 1

dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins – each has …

Answer 1

dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins – each has their own separate placenta and separate sac.

Question 2

Umbilical arteries …

Answer 2

Take deoxygenated blood back to the placenta

Question 3

Umbilical vein takes..

Answer 3

Oxygenated blood to the baby

Question 4

Respiratory function of the placenta

Answer 4

Oxygen from maternal blood to foetus
Fetal Hb has a higher affinity for oxygen
Carbon dioxide from foetus into pool of maternal blood in placenta

Question 5

Excretion via the placenta

Answer 5

Bicarbonate
Hydrogen ions
Lactic acid
Urea
Creatinine

Question 6

Nutrition via the placenta

Answer 6

Glucose
Micronutrients
(Mother must increase vitamin requirements)

Question 7

Endocrine function of the placenta

Answer 7

HcG increasing levels
Maintain corpus luteum
Also oestrogen to make the tissues soft during pregnancy birth and delivery
Progesterone - produced from 5 weeks onwards, maintain pregnancy and keep the uterus nice and relaxed