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The human placenta is implicated in all of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
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Correct Answer: B. Initiating uterine contraction prior to birth
The placenta is formed from cells of the chorion of the embryo and the maternal endometrium, following implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterus. The placenta has 3 main functions:
1. the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus and the transfer of wastes from the fetus to the mother (answer choice A.);
2. the production of nutrients for energy (answer choice C.), and
3. the production and secretion of hormones such as hCG, estrogen and progesterone (answer choice D.).
Note that IgG is the only isotype that can pass through the human placenta. An increase in the hormone oxytocin, produced by the posterior pituitary, is associated with the initiation of uterine contractions.
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