Question

What is placenta? Is it an exocrine gland? Mention its role during pregnancy. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

1. Placenta is a special tissue connection between embryo and uterine wall.
2. No, it acts an endocrine gland.
3. It possesses villi that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.
4. It facilitates passage of nutrition and oxygen to embryo from mother through blood.
5. Waste substances produced by embryo are removed through placenta into mother’s blood.