The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Study the diagram and then answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Study the diagram and then answer the questions that follow:
Explain the significance of the part numbered 3 in the diagram.
Topic: Significance of amniotic fluid
Answer
The AMNIOTIC FLUID PROTECTS the embryo from physical damage by jerks and mechanical shocks, keeps an EVEN PRESSURE all around it, maintains a constant TEMPERATURE, and allows the foetus some restricted MOVEMENT — which is necessary for the proper development of its muscles and bones.
Give at least TWO functions, since the question says "explain the significance" rather than asking for one.
The protective role is obvious. The EVEN PRESSURE and FREE MOVEMENT roles are the ones candidates forget, and the movement point is the most interesting — a foetus unable to move would not develop its muscles and joints properly.
The EVEN PRESSURE matters too: a fluid transmits pressure equally in all directions, so no part of the growing foetus is squeezed more than another.
Its escape when the sac ruptures — "the breaking of the waters" — is one of the signs that labour has begun.