Final answer:
The amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus does contain cells that have been sloughed off from the fetus, which can be analyzed for genetic conditions. This fluid is crucial for fetal development, providing protection and contributing to various physiological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus contains cells sloughed off is indeed true. The amniotic fluid is a protective liquid contained within the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects the developing fetus. This fluid is initially a filtrate of maternal plasma but as the fetus develops, it contributes to the fluid as well. By around the eighth week of development, the fetus's kidneys begin to function and they add urine to the amniotic fluid.
Moreover, the amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that have been shed, which can be collected and analyzed for genetic health, contributing to the understanding that the content loaded within the amniotic fluid is complex and informative. Furthermore, due to the presence of these fetal cells in the amniotic fluid, it is a good source of non-embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into various cell types.