Difference between Amnion And Allantois: Overview, Functions

Difference between Amnion And Allantois: Overview, Functions

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 30 Dec 2025, 01:26 PM IST

Amnion and allantois are extra-embryonic membranes essential for early embryonic development. The amnion forms a protective fluid-filled cavity around the embryo, while the allantois is involved in waste management and umbilical cord formation. This guide explains their structure, functions, differences, and NEET-oriented embryology concepts.

This Story also Contains

  1. What Is the Amnion?
  2. What Is the Allantois?
  3. Developmental Origin
  4. Differences Between Amnion And Allantois
  5. Functional Significance
  6. Amnion vs Allantois NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
Difference between Amnion And Allantois: Overview, Functions
Difference between Amnion And Allantois

What Is the Amnion?

The amnion is a very thin membrane covering the embryo. It forms a cavity filled with amniotic fluid. This fluid performs many vital functions, such as cushioning against shocks to the embryo and providing constant temperature conditions.

What Is the Allantois?

The allantois is a sac-like, routinely developed structure from the embryonic gut. It contributes to a vital part of the waste management system and gas exchange in the early period of development. The allantois contributes to the umbilical cord.

Developmental Origin

The developmental origin of amnion and allantois is discussed below:

Amnion Development

  • The amnion originates a few days after fertilisation.

  • It covers and encapsulates the embryo from all sides.

  • Develops early in embryogenesis.

Allantois Development

  • Develops during gastrulation.

  • Arises as an outgrowth of the embryonic gut.

  • Appears slightly later than amnion.

Differences Between Amnion And Allantois

Key difference between amnion and allantois is discussed in the table below:

FeatureAmnion
Allantois

Structure

Thin, protective membrane

Sac-like structure

Location

Surrounds embryo

Extends from embryonic gut

Function

Protects the embryo and contains amniotic fluid

Manages waste and contributes to umbilical cord

Development

Forms early in embryonic development

Develops from the embryonic gut

Role in Nutrition

Does not provide nutrition

Does not provide nutrition directly

Contribution to Placenta

Does not contribute directly

Plays a role in the formation of the placenta

Functional Significance

The details are given below:

Amnion

  • Mechanical protection

  • Prevents dehydration

  • Allows free movement of embryo

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Allantois

  • Temporary waste storage

  • Helps in respiratory exchange

  • Structural contribution to umbilical cord

Amnion vs Allantois NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

  • Developmental origin of allantois and amnion

  • Amnion vs Allantois

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Corpus luteum secretes a hormone called

  1. Prolactin

  2. Progesterone

  3. Aldosterone

  4. Testosterone

Correct answer: (2) Progesterone.

Explanation:

The hormone estrogen is released into the bloodstream by follicular cells, which function as endocrine cells. Conical, yellowish cells called corpus luteum, which degenerate into corpus albicans, are another component of the ovary's cortex.
Progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin are secreted by the corpus luteum, which also serves as an endocrine cell. The Corpus luteum functions as endocrine cells and secretes progesterone, estradiol, and relaxin.

Hence, the correct answer is the option (2) Progesterone.

Q2. Which of the following is primary sex organs in females?

  1. Uterus

  2. Vagina

  3. Ovary

  4. Mammary glands

Correct answer: (3) Ovary

Explanation:

The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries along with a pair of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia located in the pelvic region. These parts of the system along with a pair of mammary glands are integrated structurally and functionally to support the processes of ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and child care.

Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones). The ovaries are located on each side of the lower abdomen.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3) Ovary.

Q3. Select correct option for female primary sex organ

  1. Ovary are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

  2. Ovary are organs that produce female gamete (ovum) only

  3. Ovary are organs that produce steroidal hormones only

  4. None of these

Correct answer: 1) ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

Explanation:

Ovaries are the primary female sex The ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones), i.e., estrogen and progesterone. The Corpus luteum in the ovaries functions as endocrine cells and secretes progesterone, estradiol and relaxin.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the role of the allantois in development?
A:

 The allantois removes waste and leads to part of the umbilical cord.

Q: Do amnion and allantois appear simultaneously?
A:

 No, the amnion appears first during development. The allantois develop from the embryonic gut.

Q: Do amnion and allantois provide nutrition?
A:

 Neither amnion nor allantois directly provides nutrition to the embryo. 

Q: Why is it important to understand the differences between these layers?
A:

 It helps in realising their roles and also, therefore, the possible problems that might develop.

Q: What is the function of the amnion?
A:

 It protects and contains amniotic fluid that cushions the embryo.

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