Question
upstudy study bank question image url

2.4 The maternal blood and foetal blood are in close contact and never mix. What is the reason for this? How does substances move from mother to baby.

Ask by Chang Hodgson. in South Africa
Mar 16,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The maternal and foetal blood do not mix because they are separated by the placental barrier. This barrier allows essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to pass from the mother to the baby through processes like diffusion and active transport, while keeping the bloods distinct.

Solution

Sign in to Unlock Answers for Free!

A Learning Platform Trusted by Millions of Real Students and Teachers.

star-icon Unlock

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

Extra Insights

The reason maternal and fetal blood do not mix primarily lies in the structure of the placenta, which acts as a barrier. The maternal blood flows through intervillous spaces while the fetal blood circulates through chorionic villi, separated by a thin membrane. This design not only prevents mixing but also protects the fetus from potential pathogens and maternal blood factors. Substances move from mother to baby via diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport through the placenta. Nutrients like glucose and oxygen pass through the placental membrane into the fetal circulation, while waste products from the fetus, such as carbon dioxide, move back to the mother for elimination. It's a beautiful, perfected exchange system that keeps the little one nourished while keeping them safe!

Related Questions

Latest Biology Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy