Which of the following contribute to the wide variance between maternal and fetal P_O2 and P_CO2?
I.The placenta is an actively metabolizing organ
II.Regional variations occur in placental permeability
III.Maternal and fetal vascular shunts occur

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three factors contribute to the wide variance between maternal and fetal PO₂ and PCO₂. 
I. The placenta is an actively metabolizing organ and requires oxygen and nutrients to function. This creates a gradient where fetal blood has lower oxygen and higher CO₂ levels than maternal blood. 
II. Regional variations occur in placental permeability, which can affect how easily oxygen and CO₂ can diffuse through the placental membrane. 
III. Maternal and fetal vascular shunts occur, which allow blood to bypass certain regions of the placenta and affect oxygen and CO₂ exchange. Together, these factors result in significantly different gas concentrations in maternal and fetal blood.

Which of the Following Contribute to the Wide Variance Between