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 1

Textbook Question

The chorionic villi
(a) Form the umbilical cord
(b) Form the umbilical vein
(c) Form the umbilical arteries
(d) Increase the surface area available for exchange between the placenta and maternal blood
(e) Form the portion of the placenta called the capsular decidua

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of chorionic villi in fetal development. Chorionic villi are structures that emerge from the chorion, a membrane surrounding the embryo, and play a critical role in nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the fetus.

Review the anatomy of the placenta. The placenta is the organ that facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between maternal and fetal blood. Chorionic villi are integral to this process as they increase the surface area for exchange.

Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing their relationship to chorionic villi. For example, the umbilical cord, umbilical vein, and umbilical arteries are not directly formed by chorionic villi but are part of the fetal circulatory system.

Focus on the correct function of chorionic villi. Their primary role is to increase the surface area available for exchange between maternal blood and the developing fetus, which is essential for fetal growth and development.

Confirm that the correct answer aligns with the physiological function of chorionic villi. The correct choice should reflect their role in enhancing the efficiency of nutrient and gas exchange 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 small, finger-like projections that extend from the chorion, the outer fetal membrane, into the maternal tissue of the placenta. They play a crucial role in nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and fetus by increasing the surface area for these exchanges. Their structure allows for efficient transfer of oxygen and nutrients while also facilitating the removal of waste products from the fetal blood.

Placenta Function

The placenta is an essential organ that develops during pregnancy, serving as the interface between the mother and the developing fetus. It facilitates the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products, ensuring the fetus receives the necessary substances for growth and development. The chorionic villi are integral to this function, as they enhance the contact area with maternal blood, optimizing the exchange process.

Umbilical Cord Structure

The umbilical cord is a vital structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, containing two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. While the chorionic villi do not form the umbilical cord itself, they are crucial for establishing the vascular connections that will develop into the cord. The umbilical cord facilitates the transport of oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus and returns deoxygenated blood back to the placenta.

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