Question

Describe in brief structure and function of the placenta.

Answer 1

Hint:- The placenta translates to the temporary vascular organ found in mammals, which during pregnancy connects the foetus to the mother's uterus. The placenta is disk-shaped and has a length of up to 22 cm. The placenta is abundant in vessels in the blood.

Complete Answer:-
The placenta is the integrated structure of embryonic and maternal tissue that provides the developing embryo with nutrients. The placenta is a distinctive organ found only in mammals, which helps the mother to provide her offspring with a very significant amount of nutrients for a prolonged period until they are even born.

The placenta has both- the maternal tissue and the tissue originating from the embryo. The embryo-derived part of the placenta is the chorion. It is composed of trophoblasts, which you should know are the cells that make up the blastocyst's outer cell layer. You can also note that the trophoblasts multiply in number and reach through the uterine wall during implantation. They gradually develop finger-like structures called chorionic villi, consisting of embryo-derived trophoblasts, which are finger-like structures of the placenta. Maternal blood that comes into close contact with the embryonic trophoblast cells covers the chorionic villi. The interval space is the portion of the placenta that includes maternal blood surrounding the chorionic villi.
The placenta serves as an intermediary between the mother and the foetus that is growing and has three main functions:
1. Connect the uterine wall to the foetus
2. Providing the foetus with oxygen and nutrients
3. Enable the foetus to pass waste products into the blood of the mother

Note:- The placenta is mammal-exclusive. The umbilical cord binds the foetus to the placenta, thus enabling material transfer. At the top, bottom, side, front or back of the uterus, the placenta is normally attached. The placenta gets stuck to the lower part of the uterus in serious situations, resulting in a condition identified as placenta previa.