Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Obstetrics
V1 · Obstetric Physiology
V1.ii · Obstetric Physiology
Outline the functions of the placenta and the determinants of placental blood flow.
Written examination
SAQ history
Placental Function & Blood Flow
3 exam appearances
(a) Describe the functions of the placenta (80% of marks). (b) Outline utero-placental blood flow and its determinants (20% of marks).
34%
Describe the functions of the placenta (80% marks). Outline the determinants of placental blood flow (20% marks).
49%
Describe the functions of the placenta (80% of marks). Outline the determinants of placental blood flow (20% of marks).
32%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2025A · Day 1 · VIVA 4
This VIVA will examine maternal-foetal physiology and pharmacology. What is normal placental blood flow at term? How might foetal hypoxaemia occur in utero without a change in maternal oxygenation?
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2024A · Day 2 · VIVA 8
This VIVA will examine maternofoetal physiology and pharmacology. How is oxygen delivered to the placenta and then fetus? What factors influence that delivery? (Image removed from report.)
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2020B · Day 4 · VIVA 7
This viva will explore your knowledge of placental and foetal physiology. What is the uterine blood flow at term? What percentage goes to the placenta?
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2019A · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This viva is about obstetric and neonatal physiology. Outline the functions of the placenta.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.