3.11: Describe the Role of the Placenta in the Nutrition of the Developing Embryo

PLACENTA: Connection between inner Uterine wall and Foetal membrane via Umbilical Cord that facilitates the exchange of materials between Mother and developing Fetus

ROLE OF PLACENTA IN DEVELOPMENT OF FETUS

Diagram showing the Role of Placenta during Pregnancy

EXPLANATION: Placenta is lined with Chorionic vili to increase surface area to volume ratio for diffusion of materials between Mother and Fetus, allowing efficient material exchange Additionally, Foetal capillaries within Chorionic vili and Maternal Capillaries are close to Placental membrane to minimise distance of diffusion between Mother and Fetus, allowing efficient material exchange Materials including Oxygen, Nutrients, Vitamins, Antibodies and Water diffuse across Placenta from Mother to Fetus Waste materials including Carbon Dioxide, and other waste substances diffuse across the Placenta from Fetus to Mother *Placenta takes over Hormonal role of Ovaries to produce Estrogen and Progesterone Estrogen stimulates the growth of Uterine muscles (used to initiate Uterine contractions to give birth) and development of Mammary gland in Breasts Progesterone maintains the Uterus lining, as well as reducing uterine contractions and potential Maternal immune response