Which of the following is NOT a function of placenta?

RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Medium

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

Galactopoiesis is the process of maintaining milk production after it has been established post-childbirth.
This function is primarily regulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted by the mother's anterior pituitary gland, not the placenta.
The suckling reflex of the baby stimulates prolactin release, which signals the breasts to continue producing milk.
In fact, high levels of progesterone produced by the placenta during pregnancy actively inhibit full lactation. Milk production (lactogenesis) begins only after the placenta is delivered and progesterone levels fall.

Option A: This is a primary and essential function of the placenta. It acts as the interface for transferring all necessary nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus.
Option B: This is a core excretory function of the placenta. It transfers metabolic waste products like carbon dioxide and urea from the fetal circulation to the maternal circulation for elimination.
Option C: This is a major endocrine function of the placenta. It produces several vital hormones, including hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and hPL, which are necessary to maintain the pregnancy and support fetal development.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of the Placenta as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses in obstetrics must have a thorough understanding of placental functions to monitor fetal well-being and identify potential complications like placental insufficiency, which can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Patient education is a key nursing role. Explaining the placenta's function helps expectant mothers understand the importance of nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, and recognizing warning signs like decreased fetal movement.
What if? - If a pregnant patient develops pre-eclampsia, the blood vessels supplying the placenta can constrict, impairing its ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients. This makes it critical for nurses to monitor blood pressure, fetal heart rate, and fetal growth closely, as it directly impacts the placenta's primary functions.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the core subject, which is the 'function of the placenta'.
Pay close attention to the keyword 'NOT'. This indicates that three of the options are true functions, and your task is to find the one that is false.
Systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of reproductive physiology.
Recall that the placenta is the life-support system for the fetus, handling nutrition, gas exchange (oxygen), and waste removal. This confirms options A and B are functions.
Remember that the placenta is also a major endocrine organ during pregnancy, producing hormones like hCG and progesterone. This confirms option C is a function.
Consider the term 'Galactopoiesis'. This relates to milk production. Recall that lactation is primarily controlled by pituitary hormones (prolactin) after birth, and is actually suppressed by placental hormones during pregnancy. This identifies it as the correct outlier.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Functions of the Placenta
Stem keywords: placenta, function
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a function of the placenta.

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E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 145-147

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 338-340