Question

The image below shows a developing fetus in the mother's womb. The developing fetus is connected to the placenta by means of umbilical cord. The Umbilical vein and artery run inside the umbilical cord.

1. Name two substances that move through the blood vessels.
2. If the placenta has less villi, how will it affect the baby’s growth? 
3. Name the region where the embryo develops inside the female body. Explain how this region is adapted for nourishing the baby.
4. Some of the fetal cells fall off into the amniotic fluid and can be collected by careful procedure. The cells were screened and found to contain XY chromosomes. 
   1. What is the sex of the foetus?
   2. How is this prenatal sex determination misused?

Answer 1

1. Nutrients/glucose/oxygen/waste.
2. Less surface area for nutrients (glucose/oxygen) to pass from mother to embryo slows growth.
3. The uterus has a thick lining with a rich blood supply to nourish the embryo.
4. 1. Male child.
   2. Misused as if the foetus is female, some people engage in aborting the child, leading to female foeticide.