Pregnancy And The Roles Of The Placenta And The Amniotic Fluid

Question 1

What happens when a zygote divides?

Answer 1

It forms an embryo and it continues to grow and when cells start to become specialised, arms and legs become visible and is then called a fetus.

Question 2

What are the structures that form in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Amniotic fluid, amniotic sac, umbilical cord, placenta

Question 3

What is the function of the amniotic sac?

Answer 3

To protect the fetus from injury

Question 4

What is the function of the amniotic fluid?

Answer 4

Protects fetus from injury and temperature changes

Question 5

What is the function of the umbilical cord?

Answer 5

To provide the fetus with oxygen, nutrients and glucose and get rid of carbon dioxide and urea.

Question 6

What is the function of the placenta ?

Answer 6

To provide the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and makes sure that the baby’s and mothers blood doesn’t mix and acts as a barrier.

Question 7

What substances can pass through the placenta from the fetus to the mother?

Answer 7

Carbon dioxide, urea and other waste

Question 8

What substances can pass through the placenta from the mother to the fetus?

Answer 8

Useful: oxygen, digested food, glucose, antibodies
Harmful: drugs, alcohol, some microbes like HIV and rubella