Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

28. Human Development

Placentation

Anatomy & Physiology

28. Human Development

Placentation

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Problem 7

Textbook Question

The structure(s) that allow(s) active and passive exchange between the fetal and maternal bloodstreams is/are the
(a) Yolk stalk
(b) Chorionic villi
(c) Umbilical veins
(d) Umbilical arteries

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of each structure listed in the options: (a) Yolk stalk, (b) Chorionic villi, (c) Umbilical veins, and (d) Umbilical arteries. Determine which structure is involved in the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste between the fetal and maternal bloodstreams.

Recall that active and passive exchange between the fetal and maternal bloodstreams occurs at the placenta, which contains specialized structures for this purpose. Identify which structure in the options is part of the placenta.

Review the role of chorionic villi in the placenta. Chorionic villi are finger-like projections that increase surface area for exchange and contain fetal blood vessels surrounded by maternal blood, facilitating nutrient and gas exchange.

Eliminate options that do not directly participate in the exchange process. For example, the yolk stalk is involved in early embryonic development but not in maternal-fetal exchange, and the umbilical veins and arteries are responsible for transporting blood to and from the fetus but do not directly mediate exchange.

Conclude that the correct structure for active and passive exchange between the fetal and maternal bloodstreams is the chorionic villi, based on their anatomical and physiological role in the placenta.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chorionic Villi

Chorionic villi are finger-like projections from the placenta that extend into the maternal tissue. They play a crucial role in nutrient and gas exchange between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams. The villi contain fetal blood vessels and are surrounded by maternal blood, facilitating the transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients without direct blood mixing.

Placenta

The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy, connecting the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It serves as the interface for nutrient and waste exchange between the mother and fetus, ensuring that the fetus receives essential substances while removing waste products. The placenta's structure, including chorionic villi, is vital for its function in supporting fetal development.

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation refers to the unique system of blood flow in a developing fetus, which differs from postnatal circulation. It includes structures like the umbilical arteries and veins, which transport deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta and oxygenated blood back to the fetus. Understanding fetal circulation is essential for comprehending how the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother.