Which of the following is one of the functions of the placenta during pregnancy?
A) triggering the division of the zygote
B) preventing nutrients from reaching the embryo
C) secreting testosterone when the embryo is male
D) screening out some, but not all, harmful substances

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The placenta serves as a barrier between the mother's bloodstream and the developing embryo/fetus. As such, it is able to screen out some but not all harmful substances, allowing nutrients and oxygen to pass through to the embryo/fetus. The placenta does not trigger the division of the zygote (this occurs shortly after fertilization), prevent nutrients from reaching the embryo (its role is to facilitate nutrient transfer), or secrete testosterone (it plays a role in hormone production, but not testosterone specifically).

Which of the Following Is One of the Functions of the Placenta