Final answer:
The fetus receives nutrients through the umbilical cord from the mother's bloodstream via the placenta, which is the organ that facilitates the transfer of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for fetal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fetal Nutrient Acquisition
The fetus gets its nutrients specifically from the placenta. The placenta is a remarkable organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Through the umbilical cord, the fetus receives oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the mother and returns deoxygenated blood and waste. The exchange of gases and nutrients occurs across the placental barrier where substances are transferred from the maternal blood supply into the fetal circulation. Significant substances such as oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and iron move across the placenta to the fetus through various mechanisms like simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport, ensuring the fetus is well-nourished and can grow and develop properly.
The answer to the student's question is: a) Umbilical cord; From the mother's bloodstream. The umbilical cord serves as the lifeline between the mother and the fetus, providing it with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for fetal development.