The Placenta
What is the placenta?
A disc of tissue with capillaries running throughout.
What is the amnion?
A thin, tough membrane that surrounds the developing embryo
How much alcohol can be consumed while pregnant?
There is no “safe” limit of alcohol consumption
What are illicit drugs?
Illicit drugs are substances that either stimulate or inhibit the central nervous system or cause hallucinogenic effects to the effect that their use has been prohibited globally.
What is nutrition?
the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
What are the excretory functions?
Filtering waste products from the fetus
Who belongs to the group of amniotes?
birds, reptiles and mammals
Can pregnant women have caffeine?
Yes, but in minimal quantities
Is marijuana considered an illicit drug?
Yes, specifically a substance that causes hallucinogenic effects
How is nutrition transported?
via active and passive transport
What are the respiratory functions?
transferring oxygen and nutrients from the maternal to the fetal circulation and transferring carbon dioxide and wastes away from the fetal to the maternal circulation.
What is the main role of the amnion?
Providing a cushion against mechanical injury
What does FAS stand for?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
What are the effects of an unhealthy diet?
increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes
What are the endocrine functions?
produces hormones important in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy and in preparation for labour and breastfeeding.
What are the functions of the chorion and allantois?
Chorion: involved in gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; Allantois: transports nutrients to and waste from the embryo
What are the effects of FAS?
abnormal facial features, growth deficiency, central nervous system issues, learning disabilities, vision and hearing issues.
What are the effects of illicit drugs on the fetus?
birth defects, poor fetal growth rate, cognitive problems and behavior problems
What are the nutrients transported?
glucose, lactic acid, amino acids, fatty acids, and ketone bodies, water