Placental Formation and Function

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Questions and Answers

Which fetal structure originating from the blastocyst contributes to the formation of the placenta?

  • Trophoblast (correct)
  • Hypoblast
  • Morula
  • Inner cell mass

Which part of the placenta is derived from maternal tissue and is essential for its function?

  • Cytotrophoblast
  • Decidua basalis (correct)
  • Syncytiotrophoblast
  • Chorionic villi

What hormone, produced by the placenta, is primarily responsible for ensuring glucose availability to the fetus?

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Human placental lactogen (hPL) (correct)

Which structure within the placenta serves as the functional unit for maternal-fetal exchange?

<p>Chorionic villus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is restricted from crossing the placental barrier?

<p>Large proteins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what point in gestation does the placenta achieve full functionality for nutrient exchange?

<p>12th week (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many blood vessels does the umbilical cord contain?

<p>Two arteries and one vein (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which placental hormone primarily maintains uterine quiescence during pregnancy?

<p>Progesterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the developing fetus?

<p>Glucose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone does the placenta primarily synthesize and release during pregnancy?

<p>Progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is primarily responsible for the exchange of gases between the fetus and the mother across the placenta?

<p>Diffusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major cause of placental insufficiency that can lead to restricted fetal growth?

<p>Impaired remodeling of maternal spiral arteries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy, what effect does the placenta have on prolactin secretion?

<p>Inhibits prolactin release (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients does NOT primarily provide energy to the fetus?

<p>Cholesterol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about placental hormone production is TRUE?

<p>The placenta produces a variety of hormones, including progesterone. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Placental Formation

  • The placenta develops from the trophoblast, a layer of cells surrounding the blastocyst.

Placental Structure and Function

  • The chorionic villi, finger-like projections extending from the fetal side of the placenta, are the functional units for maternal-fetal exchange.
  • The decidua basalis, derived from the maternal endometrium, forms the maternal side of the placenta.
  • Human placental lactogen (hPL), a hormone produced by the placenta, ensures sufficient glucose supply to the fetus.

Placental Barrier

  • The placental barrier allows the passage of essential substances like oxygen, glucose, and immunoglobulin G (IgG).
  • Large proteins are unable to cross the placental barrier.

Placental Development and Functionality

  • The placenta becomes fully functional for nutrient exchange by the 12th week of gestation.

Umbilical Cord

  • The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein.

Placental Hormones

  • Progesterone, produced by the placenta, maintains uterine quiescence during pregnancy.

Maternal Spiral Artery Remodeling

  • Cytotrophoblast cells, derived from the fetus, remodel the maternal spiral arteries to increase blood flow to the placenta.

Fetal Growth Factors

  • Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in fetal growth by stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation.

Fetal Hormonal Regulation

  • Human placental lactogen (hPL), a fetal hormone, regulates nutrient distribution between the mother and fetus.

Nutrient Transport

  • Glucose is actively transported across the placenta to provide energy for the fetus.

Placental Hormonal Roles

  • The placenta synthesizes and releases progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy.

Gas Exchange

  • Diffusion facilitates gas exchange between the fetus and the mother through the placenta.

Placental Insufficiency

  • Impaired remodeling of maternal spiral arteries is the most common cause of placental insufficiency, which can lead to restricted fetal growth.

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