3.12 Understanding how the developing embryo is protected by amniotic fluid.

- Surrounding the embryo inside the uterus is a fluid which is called the Amniotic fluid.

- One of the main functions of this fluid is protection. It comes from the fact that the fluid cannot be compressed, which means when we try and squeeze the fluid it absorbs the pressure. This means that any blows or force that is applied to the uterus wall will be absorbed by the amniotic wall relieving the pressure and protecting the child.

- A way to experience this would be in a Swimming Pool. If you try to kick your leg in a swimming pool it is difficult to do this at speed and your leg won't move quickly. It is really difficult to generate any force. This is an example of how the amniotic fluid protects the unborn child.

- Another way in which the amniotic fluid protects the child is by keeping it floating in the uterus. The unborn child has no calcified bones to support its weight so it is important that the fluid prevents the child from bearing weight on it's bones.