Which of the following is true concerning the placenta?
A) By the seventh month of gestation, it develops atrophy.
B) Commonly, it secretes prolactin to prepare the breasts.
C) It forms the uterine endometrium.
D) By the third month of gestation, it is fully functional.
E) It produces wastes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By the third month of gestation, the placenta is fully functional, serving as the interface for nutrient and waste exchange between the mother and fetus. It does not undergo atrophy by the seventh month, does not secrete prolactin (this is primarily a function of the pituitary gland), does not form the uterine endometrium, and does not produce wastes but rather facilitates the transfer of waste products from the fetus to the mother for excretion.

Which of the Following Is True Concerning the Placenta