Question 11 of 22intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body?

Correct Answer

The embryo gets nourishment from the mother's blood with the help of a special tissue called placenta. The placenta is a disc-shaped structure embedded in the uterine wall. It contains villi on the embryo's side, while the mother's side has blood spaces that surround these villi.

This arrangement provides a large surface area for the transfer of nutrients. Glucose and oxygen pass from the mother's blood to the embryo through the placenta. The placenta also helps remove waste substances from the embryo by transferring them into the mother's blood.

Exercise: QUESTIONS | Q: 4 | (Page 14)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This question is from Chapter 8 (How do Organisms Reproduce?) and tests students' understanding of embryonic development. The key concept is the role of placenta in nutrition exchange. The textbook explains that placenta acts as an interface between mother and embryo, with villi increasing surface area for efficient nutrient and waste transfer. Students should mention placenta, villi, blood spaces, and the transfer of glucose and oxygen to score full marks.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the special tissue (placenta) that provides nutrition

  2. Step 2: Describe the structure (disc embedded in uterine wall with villi and blood spaces)

  3. Step 3: Explain the function (large surface area for glucose and oxygen transfer)

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