3.11 Placenta

Describe the role of the placenta in the nutrition of the developing embryo

Uterus - water-filled environment (amniotic fluids)

Embryo can't digest, breathe or excrete

Placental structure:
- Umbilical cord
Blood vessels lead from embryo (via umbilical cord) to placenta

Source

Placenta grows out of embryo
Grows into wall of uterus

Glucose, amino acids, fats etc.
Travels through maternal blood vessel
Taken into embryo through placenta

Mother's blood -> placenta -> embryo's blood

Source

Efficiency
1. Large surface area
2. Thin barrier

CO2/Urea produced by embryo
Travels into mother via placenta