Question

Which nitrogenous waste product is removed from the foetus by the placenta through diffusion into maternal bloodstream?

Options

• Ammonia

• Urea

• Creatinine

• Amino acids

Answer 1

The excretory function of the placenta involves removal of foetal nitrogenous wastes, particularly urea, through diffusion across the placental barrier into maternal bloodstream. Urea, a major end-product of foetal protein metabolism, diffuses passively from foetal blood across the trophoblastic barrier into maternal blood for elimination through the maternal kidneys.