Placenta


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Placenta

Changes During Pregnancy: After implantation, finger-like projections appear on the trophoblast called chorionic villi, which are surrounded the uterine tissue and maternal blood. The chorionic villi and the uterine tissue become interdigitated with each other and jointly form a structural and functional unit between foetus and maternal body called placenta.

Functions of Placenta

(i) It facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the embryo.

(ii) Also facilitates the removal of carbon dioxide and waste materials produced by the foetus.

(iii) The placenta is connected to the embryo through the umbilical cord, which helps in the transport of substances to and from the embryo.

(iv) Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones likes human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), human Placental Lactogen (hPL) oestroghen, progesterone, etc.

In the later phase of pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is also secreted by the ovary. It is important to note that hCG, hPL and relaxin are produced in women only during pregnancy.

In addition, during pregnancy, the levels of other hormones like estrogens, progesterones, cortisol, prolactin, thyroxine, etc., are increased several times in the maternal blood.

The increased production of these hormones is necessary to support foetal growth, metabolic changes in the mother and maintenance of pregnancy.

                                       

 
 
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