MCQ Quiz: Umbilical Cord & Placenta

Which hormone is secreted by the placenta in early pregnancy?

• Oestrogen

• Progesterone

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

• Oxytocin

How often does the level of hCG double during the first four weeks of pregnancy?

• Every day

• Every 2–3 days

• Every week

• Every 10 days

The main function of hCG during early pregnancy is to:

• Stimulate ovulation

• Ensure corpus luteum continues producing progesterone and oestrogen

• Initiate menstruation

• Provide oxygen to the foetus

Which vessel carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the foetus?

• Umbilical arteries

• Umbilical vein

• Pulmonary artery

• Aorta

The umbilical arteries transport:

• Oxygenated blood from mother to foetus

• Deoxygenated blood and urea from foetus to placenta

• Glucose and amino acids to the foetus

• Antibodies to the foetus

The placenta is formed from:

• Only maternal tissue

• Only embryonic tissue

• Maternal endometrial and embryonic tissue

• Umbilical tissue only

From the fourth month of pregnancy, which structure produces progesterone and oestrogen?

• Corpus luteum

• Placenta

• Ovary

• Pituitary gland

Why is it important that maternal and foetal blood do not mix?

• To prevent foetal vessels from bursting due to high maternal blood pressure

• To prevent toxins and bacteria from entering foetal blood

• To prevent agglutination from blood group differences

• All of the above

Which of the following substances can cross the placenta and harm the foetus?

• Alcohol and drugs

• Cigarette smoke

• HIV and rubella viruses

• All of the above

Which of the following is NOT a function of the placenta?

• Exchange of nutrients and wastes

• Hormone secretion

• Direct mixing of maternal and foetal blood

• Transfer of antibodies