Placenta Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?

  • To facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and fetus (correct)
  • To regulate the mother's blood pressure
  • To produce hormones that support fetal development
  • To provide structural support to the fetus

    • From which layer of cells does the placenta develop?

  • Outer layer of the blastocyst (correct)
  • Inner layer of the blastocyst
  • Entire blastocyst
  • Middle layer of the blastocyst

    • What is the term for the type of placenta that develops when two or more fetuses share the same placenta?

  • Twins' placenta
  • Monochorionic placenta (correct)
  • Dichorionic placenta
  • Shared placenta

    • What is the purpose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy?

    <p>To stimulate the corpus luteum to produce progesterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the condition in which the placenta is unable to supply the fetus with sufficient oxygen and nutrients?

    <p>Placental insufficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the maternal circulation in the placenta?

    <p>To supply the mother's blood to the placenta</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix?

    <p>Placenta previa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    By what week of gestation is the placenta fully formed?

    <p>12-14 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Structure and Function

    • The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy
    • It is responsible for:
      • Oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus
      • Waste removal from the fetus
      • Production of hormones that support pregnancy
      • Exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and fetus

    Development

    • The placenta develops from the outer layer of cells of the blastocyst (fertilized egg)
    • It begins to form around 5-6 days after fertilization
    • The placenta is fully formed by 12-14 weeks of gestation

    Types of Placenta

    • Monochorionic placenta: develops when two or more fetuses share the same placenta (e.g., in twins)
    • Dichorionic placenta: develops when each fetus has its own separate placenta (e.g., in twins)

    Placental Circulation

    • Maternal circulation: the mother's blood supply to the placenta
    • Fetal circulation: the fetus's blood supply to the placenta
    • The two circulations are separated by the placental membrane, allowing for exchange of substances

    Placental Hormones

    • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, supporting pregnancy
    • Estrogen: promotes fetal growth and development
    • Progesterone: maintains pregnancy and prepares the breasts for lactation

    Placental Abnormalities

    • Placenta previa: the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, potentially causing bleeding and complications
    • Placental abruption: the placenta separates from the uterus, potentially causing bleeding and fetal distress
    • Placental insufficiency: the placenta is unable to supply the fetus with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to growth restriction and other complications

    Structure and Function

    • The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy
    • Responsible for oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus
    • Responsible for waste removal from the fetus
    • Produces hormones that support pregnancy
    • Enables exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and fetus

    Development

    • Develops from the outer layer of cells of the blastocyst (fertilized egg)
    • Begins to form around 5-6 days after fertilization
    • Fully formed by 12-14 weeks of gestation

    Types of Placenta

    • Monochorionic placenta: shared by two or more fetuses (e.g., in twins)
    • Dichorionic placenta: separate for each fetus (e.g., in twins)

    Placental Circulation

    • Maternal circulation: mother's blood supply to the placenta
    • Fetal circulation: fetus's blood supply to the placenta
    • Separated by the placental membrane, allowing for exchange of substances

    Placental Hormones

    • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): stimulates corpus luteum to produce progesterone, supporting pregnancy
    • Estrogen: promotes fetal growth and development
    • Progesterone: maintains pregnancy and prepares breasts for lactation

    Placental Abnormalities

    • Placenta previa: placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, potentially causing bleeding and complications
    • Placental abruption: placenta separates from the uterus, potentially causing bleeding and fetal distress
    • Placental insufficiency: unable to supply fetus with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to growth restriction and complications

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    Description

    Understand the role and development of the placenta in pregnancy, including its functions and formation.

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