Human Development and the Placenta

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the placenta during fetal development?

To store genetic material for the fetus

To generate heat to maintain fetal temperature

To produce hormones for lactation after birth

To facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products (correct)

Which structure acts as a route for nourishment and waste disposal between the fetus and the placenta?

Zygote

Umbilical cord (correct)

Chorion

Amniotic sac

What is the term used for the initial fertilized cell that is formed after the ovum is fertilized by a sperm?

Fetus

Embryo

Zygote (correct)

Ovum

What does the amniotic sac provide to the developing fetus?

A cushioning environment Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal cord?

Spina bifida Signup and view all the answers

What is the scar on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached called?

Umbilicus Signup and view all the answers

What is the developing organism called after the zygote stage?

Embryo Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the placenta?

Amniotic fluid storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome for anencephaly, a type of neural tube defect?

It is always fatal. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is identified as a potential risk for neural tube defects?

Maternal Hispanic ethnicity Signup and view all the answers

How does a healthy placenta contribute to fetal development?

By ensuring proper metabolic functions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a common consequence of spina bifida?

It can cause lifelong disability or death. Signup and view all the answers

What is not commonly associated with neural tube defects?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of ruptured meninges covering the spinal cord?

Meningitis Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely cause of neural tube defects that is currently under investigation?

Gene-environment interactions Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many pregnancies worldwide are affected by neural tube defects each year?

300,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the umbilical vein during pregnancy?

To bring fresh blood with oxygen from the mother to the fetus Signup and view all the answers

How do waste products from the fetus reach the mother’s circulation?

Using the maternal veins Signup and view all the answers

What role does the placenta serve in fetal development?

It facilitates the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between mother and fetus Signup and view all the answers

What are umbilical arteries primarily responsible for?

Removing deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the placenta is connected to the mother’s blood supply?

Maternal portion Signup and view all the answers

Where does the umbilical cord primarily draw its blood from?

Umbilical veins Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between maternal and fetal blood vessels in the placenta?

They are parallel but do not mix blood Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the maternal arteries in relation to the fetus?

Delivering oxygenated blood to the fetus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process by which maternal nutrition influences the future health of the infant?

Fetal programming Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dietary influence during fetal development is most likely to alter gene expression through epigenetics?

Overnutrition Signup and view all the answers

What critical structure in the infant’s body is primarily affected by maternal malnutrition, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes?

Pancreatic cells Signup and view all the answers

How can a maternal diet rich in folate positively impact fetal health?

By offering protective epigenetic effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding maternal obesity?

It programs the fetus to develop chronic diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What can chronic diseases resulting from fetal programming potentially affect?

Overall health and metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of prenatal malnutrition during critical growth periods?

Increased risk for cardiovascular diseases Signup and view all the answers

What influence can nutritional deficits during pregnancy have on succeeding generations?

They can affect the epigenetics of future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What are infants born to obese women more likely to experience compared to those born to normal weight women?

Increased risk of heart defects Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is least associated with infants of obese women?

Healthy weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What factor may contribute to the increased risk of complications in infants born to obese women?

Poor glycemic control Signup and view all the answers

Why is careful monitoring during pregnancy advised for women after gastric bypass surgery?

Increased likelihood of delivering smaller infants Signup and view all the answers

What physical health issue is more prevalent in infants born to obese mothers?

Higher risk of congenital heart defects Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with the increased likelihood of difficult labor in infants of obese mothers?

Macrosomia Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of infant health is more concerning than their birthweight for infants born to obese mothers?

Poor developmental outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a prenatal risk for infants of women with undiagnosed diabetes?

Neural tube defects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maternal-Fetal Connection

Maternal blood provides oxygen and nutrients essential for fetal development, collecting waste products from the fetus.
The placenta serves respiratory, absorptive, and excretory functions for the fetus, which the lungs, digestive system, and kidneys will take over after birth.
The amniotic sac, or "bag of waters," allows the fetus to float in a protective environment.
The umbilical cord acts as the lifeline, connecting the fetus to the placenta and facilitating nutrient and oxygen transport while removing waste.

Placenta Functionality

The placenta is a crucial, metabolically active organ that produces hormones to support pregnancy and prepare the mother for lactation.
A healthy placenta is vital for fetal growth and maximizes developmental potential.
The umbilical cord's scar, known as the umbilicus or "belly button," marks its former attachment.

Fetal Development Stages

Fetal development begins with fertilization of an ovum, followed by three stages: zygote, embryo, and fetus.
The umbilical cord contains vessels: umbilical veins deliver nutrients and oxygen, while arteries carry fetal waste back to the mother.

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly, arise from malformations during embryonic development.
Spina bifida features incomplete spinal cord closure, leading to varying degrees of paralysis.
Anencephaly is a fatal defect characterized by the absence of a brain.
Maternal diabetes, family history, and Hispanic ethnicity increase the likelihood of neural tube defects.

Fetal Programming

Fetal programming describes how maternal nutrition influences gene expression in the developing fetus, potentially impacting future health.
Epigenetic changes during pregnancy may predispose infants to obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood.
Nutritional interventions during critical development periods can alter organ structure and function.

Chronic Disease Risk Factors

Malnutrition and overnutrition during pregnancy can permanently affect a fetus's health, leading to risks like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
A rich maternal diet, especially in folate, may protect against certain cancers.
Insufficient pancreatic cell development due to malnutrition can impair insulin production, increasing diabetes likelihood later.

Maternal Obesity Implications

Infants born to obese mothers have heightened risks of complications such as macrosomia, leading to challenging deliveries and health issues.
Obesity doubles the risk of neural tube defects and increases chances of congenital abnormalities due to poor glycemic control.
Consistent monitoring during pregnancy is crucial for women with a history of gastric bypass surgery due to potential nutrient absorption issues.

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Description

This quiz explores the role of the placenta in maternal-fetal exchange. It covers how blood transfers oxygen and nutrients, and the functions of the amniotic sac during pregnancy. Test your knowledge on prenatal development and the physiological processes involved.