which of the following is a function of the placenta

HESI RN

Reproductive System Exam Questions

1. Which of the following is a function of the placenta?

A. The placenta secretes insulin.
B. The placenta facilitates the exchange of gases and nutrients between mother and fetus.
C. The placenta provides immunological protection to the fetus.
D. The placenta stores fat-soluble vitamins for the fetus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The placenta serves as a crucial organ during pregnancy, facilitating the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and nutrients (such as glucose and amino acids) between the mother and the developing fetus. This exchange is vital for the fetus's growth and development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The placenta does not secrete insulin; insulin is produced by the pancreas. While the placenta provides some immune support to the fetus, its main role is not immunological protection. Additionally, storing fat-soluble vitamins is not a primary function of the placenta.

2. Which of the following are layers of endometrium in pregnancy EXCEPT?

A. Decidua compacta
B. Decidua spongiosum
C. Decidua functionalis
D. Decidua basalis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During pregnancy, the layers of endometrium include decidua compacta, decidua spongiosum, and decidua basalis. Decidua functionalis is the layer that sheds during menstruation and regenerates each cycle, not a layer of the endometrium during pregnancy. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer. Decidua compacta is the layer closest to the conceptus, decidua spongiosum is the middle layer, and decidua basalis is the layer adjacent to the myometrium.

3. Which phase of the menstrual cycle is variable?

A. Ovulatory
B. Regenerative
C. Secretory
D. Menstrual

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The regenerative phase of the menstrual cycle is the phase in which the endometrium rebuilds after menstruation. This phase can vary in duration from woman to woman and cycle to cycle. Choice A, the ovulatory phase, is not variable as it typically lasts around 24 hours. Choice C, the secretory phase, is also relatively consistent in its duration. Choice D, the menstrual phase, is the shedding of the endometrial lining and usually lasts around 3-7 days.

4. Which of the following is a common presentation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome?

A. Oligomenorrhea, obesity, and hirsutism
B. Amenorrhea, generalized hair loss, and weight gain
C. Repeated ectopic pregnancies and chronic pelvic pain
D. Fatigue, body aches, and menorrhagia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oligomenorrhea, obesity, and hirsutism. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) commonly presents with irregular periods (oligomenorrhea), obesity, and increased hair growth (hirsutism) due to hormonal imbalances. Choice B is incorrect as amenorrhea (absence of periods), generalized hair loss, and weight gain are not typical features of PCOS. Choice C is incorrect as repeated ectopic pregnancies and chronic pelvic pain are not characteristic of PCOS. Choice D is incorrect as fatigue, body aches, and menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) are not primary symptoms seen in PCOS.

5. Abortion is defined as:

A. Bleeding per vaginum in early pregnancy
B. Willingness to terminate pregnancy
C. Expulsion of products of conception after the 28th week of gestation
D. Expulsion of products of conception before the 28th week of gestation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Abortion is defined as the expulsion of products of conception before the 28th week of gestation. Choice A is incorrect as it describes bleeding in early pregnancy, not the definition of abortion. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the willingness to terminate a pregnancy rather than the actual act of expulsion. Choice C is incorrect as it defines abortion as the expulsion of products of conception after the 28th week of gestation, which is considered a stillbirth.