Question

Placenta is the region where

• A. Foetus is attached to mother by spermatic cord.
• B. Foetus is provided with mother's blood.
• C. Foetus receives nourishment from mother's blood.
• D. Foetus is covered by membranes.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Foetus receives nourishment from mother's blood.

After implantation, finger-like projections appear on the trophoblast called as chorionic villi, which are surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal blood.

The chorionic villi and uterine tissue become interdigitated with each other and jointly form a structural and functional unit between developing embryo (foetus) and maternal body called as placenta. The placenta facilitate the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and also removal of carbon dioxide and excretory/waste materials produced by the embryo.

The placenta is connected to the embryo through an umbilical cord, which helps in the transport of substances to and from the embryo. Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progestogens, etc.

So, the correct answer is 'Foetus receives nourishment from mother's blood.'