Question 14

The placenta plays a crucial role in providing nutrients and oxygen for embryo growth and development.

The placenta is essential for supplying the developing embryo with nutrients and oxygen, which are vital for its growth and overall development.

A) Digestion of nutrients

This option is incorrect because the placenta does not digest nutrients. Instead, it facilitates the transfer of nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the embryo. Digestion occurs in the mother's gastrointestinal tract, and the placenta's role is to transport these digested nutrients.

B) Perception of stimuli

This option is also incorrect. The placenta does not have the capability to perceive stimuli. Its primary functions are to support the embryo by providing nutrients and oxygen and to remove waste products, rather than processing sensory information.

C) Transmission of electrical signals

This choice is incorrect as well. The placenta does not transmit electrical signals. Its main functions are related to nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the embryo, and it does not play a role in any form of electrical signaling.

D) Providing of nutrients and oxygen

This option is correct because the placenta is responsible for the transfer of essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the embryo. It also plays a role in waste elimination, thereby ensuring proper growth and development of the embryo.

Conclusion

The placenta is integral to embryo growth and development, primarily through its function of providing nutrients and oxygen. The other options fail to accurately describe the placenta's role, which is focused on supporting the embryo's needs rather than digestion, perception, or electrical signaling. Thus, option D is definitively the correct answer.