Placenta and its Components

Where does the placenta develop?

In one area of the uterus lining

Part 1:
Roles of the placenta

Gas exchange
Provides nutrients
Provide antibodies

Part 2:
Roles of the placenta

Remove waste
Maintain blood temperature
Produce oestrogen and progesterone which allow for breast enlargement and maintains the uterus lining

What is the embryo surrounded by

It is surrounded by the chorion, amnion and amniotic fluid as it develops into a fetus

Placenta components

Chorion
Foetus
Umbilical cord
Yolk sac
Amnion
Mucus plug

Functions of the chorion

Chorion - protects, allows gaseous exchange, produces hCG and removes waste

Functions of the umbilical cord

Allows exchange between mother and child

Function of the yolk sac

Provides food for the developing foetus

Functions of amnion

Protects the baby and produces amniotic fluid

Functions of the amniotic fluid

Protects from shock, maintains temperature, supports embryo

Functions of the mucus plug

Prevents bacteria, etc. from entering the uterus