Praxis II Biology

Answer: D, The structure that blood flows through between the mother and the fetus is the umbilical cord. Like other extraembryonic membranes and structures, the umbilical cord develops from the same zygote as the fetus.

Key Takeaway: The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein, which are buried within a gelatinous substance known as Wharton’s jelly. Opposite of blood flow within a person, oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood flows to the fetus via the umbilical vein, and deoxygenated, nutrient depleted blood is returned to the mother via the umbilical arteries. The umbilical cord is connected to the abdomen of the fetus and is snipped shortly after birth, leaving behind a remnant known as the navel or belly button.