Placental

Placental is a term used in biology to refer to the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to growing babies and removes waste products from the baby's blood. The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus, and the baby's umbilical cord arises from it.

Structure

The placenta grows from the same sperm and egg cells that form the fetus and functions as a fetomaternal organ with two components: the fetal placenta, which develops from the same sperm and egg cells that form the fetus, and the maternal placenta, which develops from the maternal uterine tissue.

Function

The placenta functions as a trading post between the mother's and the baby's blood supply. Small blood vessels carrying the baby's blood run through the placenta, which is full of maternal blood. Nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood are transferred to the baby's blood, while waste products are transferred from the baby's blood to the mother's blood, without the two blood supplies mixing.

Clinical significance

The placenta can cause complications if it does not function properly. Placental insufficiency can lead to the baby not growing at a healthy rate, or premature birth. Other complications include placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, and placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus wall before childbirth.

See also

• Placental mammals
• Placental barrier
• Placental expulsion

Placental Resources
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