IB Biology HL D3.1.18 Hl Placenta Role Questions
Explain how placental villi exchange gases, nutrients, wastes and antibodies without mixing maternal and fetal blood in IB Biology HL D3.1.18.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Explain how placental villi and close maternal/fetal vessel proximity provide large surface area and short diffusion distance for exchange.
- Describe transport of gases, nutrients, wastes and antibodies between maternal and fetal circulation without blood mixing.
- Relate placental structure and hormone production to maintenance of pregnancy.
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IB Biology HL D3.1.18 Hl Placenta Role Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 8]
Explain how the structure and functions of the placenta maintain pregnancy.
a. transport facilitated by proximity of mother and embryo blood vessel;
b. chorionic villi increase surface area for exchange;
c. oxygen and food reach embryo;
d. carbon dioxide and waste matter carried from embryo to mother;
e. immune system of mother protects embryo;
f. barrier function as bloods do not mix;
g. endocrine function as it secretes hormones;
h. human chorionic gonadotropin/HCG prevents degeneration of corpus luteum;
i. production of estrogen maintains endometrium;
j. estrogen increases mammary gland growth;
k. progesterone maintains endometrium;
l. progesterone prevents uterine contractions;
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