Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 28, Problem 2
Most systems are operational in the fetus by four to six months. Which system is the exception to this generalization, affecting premature infants?
(a) the circulatory system
(b) the respiratory system
(c) the urinary system
(d) the digestive system
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the general development timeline of fetal organ systems. Most major systems such as circulatory, urinary, and digestive systems become functional between four to six months of gestation.
Step 2: Identify the system that is typically not fully operational by this time and is known to cause complications in premature infants.
Step 3: Recall that the respiratory system, particularly the lungs, matures later in fetal development and often remains underdeveloped in premature infants.
Step 4: Recognize that this underdevelopment of the respiratory system leads to difficulties in breathing and oxygen exchange in premature babies, making it the exception to the general rule.
Step 5: Conclude that the respiratory system is the system that is not fully operational by four to six months and affects premature infants the most.
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Fetal System Development Timeline
Most organ systems in a fetus develop and become functional between four to six months of gestation, preparing the infant for life outside the womb. Understanding this timeline helps identify which systems are mature at birth and which may still be underdeveloped, especially in premature infants.
Recommended video:
4:36
Timeline of the Prenatal Period
Respiratory System Maturity in Premature Infants
The respiratory system is often underdeveloped in premature infants because the lungs and surfactant production mature late in gestation. This immaturity can cause breathing difficulties, making the respiratory system a common exception to the general fetal system readiness by four to six months.
Recommended video:
7:27Affinity Maturation
Impact of System Immaturity on Premature Infant Health
Immature organ systems in premature infants can lead to complications such as respiratory distress syndrome or feeding difficulties. Recognizing which systems are typically immature helps in managing and treating premature newborns effectively.
Recommended video:
2:08What is the Reproductive System?
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