The diagram shows an ultrasound scan at 12 weeks of pregnancy. A sonographer identifies the fetus, the fluid-filled amniotic sac and the placenta before dis...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows an ultrasound scan at 12 weeks of pregnancy. A sonographer identifies the fetus, the fluid-filled amniotic sac and the placenta before discussing the scan with the pregnant person.
(a) Name the fluid-filled structure surrounding the fetus. [1]
(b) State one function of the fluid around the fetus. [1]
(c) Describe two ways in which the fetus is protected by the structures shown. [2]
(d) Explain why an ultrasound scan can be used to monitor fetal growth without using ionising radiation. [3]
(e) Which process produces the specialised cells that form the fetus after the early stages of development? [1]
(f) Give two measurements a sonographer could compare with a later scan to assess growth. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The fluid-filled structure surrounding the fetus is the amniotic sac. [1]
(b) The fluid absorbs shocks and cushions the fetus. [1]
(c) Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus against impacts. The uterus and amniotic sac also surround the fetus, providing physical protection. [2]
(d) Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, not ionising radiation. The sound waves are reflected at boundaries between different structures. The reflected waves are used to form an image, allowing growth to be monitored without exposure to ionising radiation. [3]
(e) The process producing specialised cells is cell differentiation. [1]
(f) Two suitable scan measurements are fetal length and head diameter or circumference. Limb length and estimated mass are also acceptable. [2]
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