Page 137 - The Miracle of Human Creation

THE CREATION OF A HUMAN BEING FROM A CELL

amnion
amniotic
cavity
body stalk (um- The greatest
bilical cord)
yolk sac of chorionic factor in the
embryo preparation of
villi
the baby for
the outside
extraembryonic
membrane world is with-
out doubt am-
niotic fluid.

wonderful way. In the membrane separating the baby from the uterus, a
special fluid called "amniotic fluid" begins to be produced. The baby's
kidneys and lungs, the amniotic membrane and the surrounding uterus
contribute to the formation of this fluid. 39

The Baby's "Water of Life": Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid is specially produced for the baby; it ensures that the
organs are prepared to function after birth. The baby, as it were, practises
with the amniotic fluid to become accustomed to the outside world by re-
gularly ingesting it. In this way, its tongue begins to perceive bitter, swe-
et, salty and sour tastes. Afterward, the saliva glands begin to function.
The amniotic fluid ingested by the foetus begins to prepare the intestines
for their absorptive function, and it makes the kidneys function by cre-

ating the necessity for the constant filtration of this same fluid from the
blood. The fluid absorbed from the kidneys is transmitted back again to
the amniotic fluid, without contaminating it, because the kidneys have the
ability, distinct from their later function, to filter and sterilize the fluid in-
gested by the baby. And this fluid, as when you clean a swimming pool, is

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