Question

The placenta: A. filters viruses and toxins from the mother's bloodstream, preventing them from reaching the embryo/fetus. B. transfers sperm to the egg so fertilization can occur. C. synthesizes the essential micronutrients that the embryo/fetus requires for growth and development. D. transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream to the embryo/fetus.

Answer 1

The placenta functions as a connection between the mother and the developing embryo/fetus, transferring nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus and removing waste products from the fetus to the mother's bloodstream.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the function of the placenta during pregnancy. The correct answer to the student's question is D. The placenta transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream to the embryo/fetus. This temporary organ forms a critical connection between the mother and the developing embryo or fetus. It facilitates the transfer of nutrients, oxygen, and antibodies from the mother and takes away waste products like urea and carbon dioxide from the fetus to the mother's blood for excretion.

The placenta also plays a role in protecting the fetus by being selectively permeable, although it does not entirely filter out all viruses and toxins. It provides a barrier that allows the exchange of substances without the maternal and fetal blood actually mixing, therefore also helping to protect the fetus from the mother's immune system.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D. Transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream to the embryo/fetus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The placenta is an organ to which the fetus or embryo is attached through the umbilical cord. This is essential for the development of the fetus or embryo because through this blood with nutrients, oxygen and hormones from the mother is transferred to the fetus or embryo. Additionally, this removes wastes from the bloodstream of the embryo/fetus. This organ is essential during pregnancy but once the baby is born this is no longer necessary. According to this, the option that best describes the placenta is D considering the main role of this organ is to transfer essential substances such as nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the embryo or fetus.