Which two fetal organs does the placenta function as for the fetus?

Study for the Sacramento State Medic Module 6 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

Which two fetal organs does the placenta function as for the fetus?

Explanation:
The placenta acts as two surrogate organs for the fetus: lungs and liver. It handles gas exchange—oxygen moves from the mother’s blood into the fetus, and carbon dioxide moves out—because the fetal lungs aren’t used for breathing before birth. It also supports metabolism in a liver-like way, transferring and processing nutrients from maternal blood for fetal use, providing energy stores, and helping detoxify waste products. These combined roles keep the fetus alive and growing in utero. The other options don’t provide these essential placental functions.

The placenta acts as two surrogate organs for the fetus: lungs and liver. It handles gas exchange—oxygen moves from the mother’s blood into the fetus, and carbon dioxide moves out—because the fetal lungs aren’t used for breathing before birth. It also supports metabolism in a liver-like way, transferring and processing nutrients from maternal blood for fetal use, providing energy stores, and helping detoxify waste products. These combined roles keep the fetus alive and growing in utero. The other options don’t provide these essential placental functions.

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