Which of the following is the function of placenta?
I. Protection
II. Storage
III. Excretion

Appeared in: CIP Ranchi 2023

Explanation

The placenta is a complex organ with multiple critical functions to support fetal life.
Protection: It serves as a barrier against certain infections and toxins and transfers protective maternal antibodies (IgG) to the fetus.
Storage: It stores key nutrients like glycogen (for energy), iron (for red blood cell formation), and vitamins, ensuring a stable supply for the developing fetus.
Excretion: It acts as the fetal kidneys, filtering waste products like urea, creatinine, and uric acid from the fetal blood into the mother's bloodstream for elimination.

Option A: This option is incomplete. While the placenta does perform protective and storage functions, it omits the vital excretory function.
Option B: This option is incomplete. It correctly identifies the protective and excretory roles but misses the important storage function of the placenta.
Option C: This option is incomplete. It includes the storage and excretory functions but leaves out the critical protective barrier function.

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.
A healthy, well-functioning placenta is paramount for fetal growth and a successful pregnancy outcome. Any impairment can lead to complications.
Nurses monitor for signs of placental insufficiency (e.g., through fundal height measurement, non-stress tests, and biophysical profiles), which can cause intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
What if? If a mother develops pre-eclampsia, it can cause poor placental perfusion. This would impair all its functions—reducing nutrient and oxygen delivery and hindering waste removal, potentially leading to fetal distress and requiring preterm delivery.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the functions of the placenta.
Next, evaluate each of the three numbered statements (I, II, and III) individually based on your knowledge of physiology.
Recall that the placenta serves as the fetus's lungs, kidneys, digestive system, and endocrine gland.
Confirm that 'Protection' (barrier, immunity), 'Storage' (glycogen, iron), and 'Excretion' (waste removal) are all established functions.
Finally, look for the option that correctly groups all the true statements. In this case, since I, II, and III are all correct, the answer must be the option that includes all three.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 4-6

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 144-146

Practise the full CIP Ranchi 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.