Question

What is placenta and what are its functions? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Placenta: 1 Mark
Functions: 4 Mark

A vascular structure that develops in the uterus of mammalian females and acts as the organ of attachment between the embryo and uterine wall is called placenta.

Any four:
Functions of the placenta:
(a) It provides nourishment to the developing foetus.
(b) It transfers oxygen, water and hormone from the mother to the developing foetus.
(c) It removes waste products from the blood of foetus.
(d) It provides protection to the foetus from microorganisms as they cannot pass through the placenta.
(e) It produces hormones which are necessary to maintain pregnancy, e.g. oestrogen, progesterone and relaxin.