Question

bio - 202 topic 7: male and female reproductive physiology
practice it
what is the placenta?
a part of the uterus that contracts during labor
a gland that produces hormones to regulate fetal development
a barrier that prevents the mothers immune system from attacking the fetus
a temporary organ that nourishes the developing fetus and allows for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and fetus
a permanent organ that remains in the mothers body after childbirth

Explanation:

The placenta is a temporary organ formed during pregnancy. It connects the mother and fetus. Its main functions include nourishing the fetus and facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen (from mother to fetus), and waste products (from fetus to mother).

• The uterus contracting during labor is related to uterine muscles, not the placenta.
• While the placenta does produce some hormones (like human chorionic gonadotropin - hCG), its primary and most defining role is the nutrient - waste - gas exchange.
• The placenta is not just a simple barrier against the mother's immune system (though it has some immunological functions), its key role is in the physiological exchange.
• It is a temporary organ and is expelled from the mother's body after childbirth, so it is not a permanent organ.

Answer:

A temporary organ that nourishes the developing fetus and allows for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and fetus.