Role of the Placenta

Placenta

Organ that allows exchange of substances between mother and fetus

Umbilical cord

Connects fetus to placenta and carries blood between them

Diffusion

Movement of substances across the placenta

Villi

Finger‑like projections increasing surface area for exchange

Maternal blood

Mother’s blood supplying oxygen and nutrients

Fetal blood

Baby’s blood circulating through umbilical cord

Barrier

Placental membrane separating maternal and fetal blood

Antibodies

Proteins passed from mother to fetus for immunity

Waste removal

Process of eliminating fetal carbon dioxide and urea

What is the placenta?

An organ that allows exchange of materials between mother and fetus

What does the placenta supply to the fetus?

Oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients

How do substances move across the placenta?

By diffusion

Why does the placenta have villi?

To increase surface area for efficient exchange

Does maternal blood mix with fetal blood?

No, they remain separate

Why must the blood supplies remain separate?

To prevent infection and blood incompatibility

What waste products pass from fetus to mother?

Carbon dioxide and urea

What does the umbilical cord do?

Carries blood between fetus and placenta

What do maternal antibodies provide?

Short‑term immunity to the fetus

What hormone does the placenta produce?

Progesterone

Why does the placenta produce progesterone?

To maintain the uterus lining during pregnancy

What protects the fetus from harmful substances?

The placental barrier

Can harmful substances cross the placenta?

Yes, alcohol, nicotine, and some drugs can

What is the benefit of antibody transfer?

Protects the newborn until its immune system develops