Question

The role of placenta is
A. To convey nerve impulses
B. To act as a storage organ
C. To provide nutrition for developing embryo
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The placenta is the structural and functional unit that is present between the developing foetus and the mother. It is used by the foetus for several important functions.

Step by step answer: In humans, fertilization happens by the fusion of male and female gametes inside the fallopian tube. The zygote produced after the fusion starts division and leads to the formation of a mass of cells called blastocyst. This blastocyst gets implanted inside the uterine wall. This process is called implantation. After implantation, trophoblast cells of the blastocyst start producing several finger-like projections. These are called chorionic villi. This structure gets surrounded by maternal tissue and forms the placenta. So, it is important that the placenta is formed from both foetal and maternal tissues. Placenta has different functions to do in the gestational period. It helps for the exchange of nutrients, removal of waste materials, and also for gas exchange between mother and foetus. Placenta also secretes several hormones that are essential for the normal growth and development of the foetus. Hormones include human placental lactogen, human chorionic gonadotropins, and also oestrogen and progesterone. It also helps in providing several antibodies to the developing foetus that helps to prevent diseases like measles and diphtheria and performs a natural passive immunization process.
Hence the correct option is C

Note: There are several methods to know whether a female is pregnant or not. One such test is the HCG card test. It checks the presence of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin in urine which is produced by the placenta.