Question:hard

Establishment of the fetoplacental circulation is seen at which day after fertilization?

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Tertiary villi and the first fetal heartbeat appear around day 21 - that starts the fetoplacental circulation.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • 11 to 13 days
  • 20 to 22 days
  • 7 days
  • 25 to 26 days
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Distinguish two circulations: the uteroplacental (maternal) circulation forms early when trophoblasts erode endometrial vessels, while the fetoplacental circulation needs a beating fetal heart plus vascularised villi. Step 2: Track villus maturation - primary villi at about day 13, secondary at about day 16, and tertiary villi (containing fetal capillaries) at about day 21. Only tertiary villi can carry the fetal circulation. Step 3: The fetal heart first contracts and the fetoplacental loop is completed around the 21st to 22nd day, placing the answer in the 20 to 22 day band. Step 4: Day 7 is just blastocyst attachment, days 11 to 13 cover early uteroplacental circulation and primary villi, and day 25 to 26 is past the standard milestone, so option b is correct. \[\boxed{\text{20 to 22 days}}\]
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