Placenta Overview and Functions

Placenta Overview

• The placenta is a vital organ during pregnancy, connecting the developing fetus to the mother's body.
• This organ plays a crucial role in nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the fetus, ensuring the fetus receives the necessary resources for growth.
• The placenta has both fetal and maternal components: the fetal part develops from the chorionic sac, while the maternal part originates from the endometrium.
• The placenta and umbilical cord work together, forming a transport system that facilitates the passage of nutrients, oxygen, waste products, and carbon dioxide between the mother and the fetus.

Placental Structure and Function

• The placenta consists of intricate placental villi that form an elaborate network, crucial for nutrient and gas exchange.
• Maternal blood is supplied to these villi, pooling in spaces called lacunas.
• Fetal blood vessels branch out within the villi, accessing this maternal blood pool to absorb necessary nutrients and oxygen and release waste materials.
• The placental villi are composed of several layers, including the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, which contribute to the efficient exchange of substances.

Amniotic Fluid Circulation

• The amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is dynamic, constantly circulating and being exchanged between the fetus and its environment.
• The fetus ingests the amniotic fluid, contributing to its circulation.
• The fluid is returned to the amniotic sac through various pathways, maintaining a balanced environment for the developing fetus.