Question

Which of the following structures serves as a lung, digestive tract and kidney for the developing embryo?

• A. Placenta
• B. Endometrium
• C. Amnion
• D. Liver

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Placenta

The correct option is A

Explanation of the correct option :

1. The developing embryo absorbs the nutrients from the mother's blood and releases the waste products in mother's blood.
2. This exchange of nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide and waste products is brought about by a special tissue known as placenta.
3. Placenta is a temporary tissue developing in the mother's uterus during pregnancy.
4. The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus via passing the mother's blood through the umbilical cord.
5. Via the placenta the carbon dioxide and waste materials of the embryo diffuses into mother's blood.
6. The umbilical cord connects the placenta to the embryo.
7. Then the diffusion of nutrients and waste materials from mother's blood to the blood of the embryo and blood of the fetus to mother's blood occurs respectively.
8. So, placenta serves as a lung (exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide), digestive tract (absorption of nutrients) and kidney (removal of waste materials) for the developing embryo.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. Endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus which sheds off and moves out of the body in the form of blood during menstruation.

Option C:

1. Amnion is a membrane which covers the embryo and gives protection to it.

Option D:

1. Liver is the largest gland of the body which helps in detoxification of harmful materials and produces bile juice.

Final answer: Placenta serves as a lung, digestive tract and kidney for the developing embryo