FUNCTIONS OF THE PLACENTA IN FOETAL

DEVELOPMENT

PLACENTA

The organs in a foetus are not fully developed yet depends on the
mother for food & oxygen, & to get rid of its waste products.

Functions in the exchange of substances between the foetus & the

mother.

The exchange occurs via trophoblastic villi (TV).

TV human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) stimulates the Corpus

Luteum to increase in size & continue to produce oestrogen & progesteron
maintain the structure of endometrium & inhibit FSH production.

The foetus is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord (umbilical

arteries & umbilical vein).

In the placenta, the umbilical arteries branch into a network of blood

capillaries in the trophoblastic villi of the placenta.

Surrounding the villi is a space filled with maternal blood.

In the placenta, foetal blood & maternal blood do not mix. They are
separated by two layers of cells which facilitates diffusion.

Oxygen, food & some antibodies diffuse from the maternal blood into the
foetal blood.

Carbon dioxide, & nitrogenous waste products diffuse from the foetal
blood into the maternal blood & is excrete by the mother.

Foetal blood containing oxygen & food is carried back to the heart of the
foetus by the umbilical vein.

Any molecules which is small enough will be able to cross from the
maternal blood to the foetal blood.

Harmful substances alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, lead particles,

viruses (rubella & HIV) are able to cross the placenta.

WHY ITS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE FOETUS TO

HAVE A SEPARATE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM FROM
THE MOTHERS?

If the foetus has a blood group which is not

compatible with the mothers, the mixing of their
blood could lead to agglutination & death.
Blood pressure of maternal circulation is much
higher than the foetal circulation prevents from
damaging the delicate tissues & organs of the
developing foetus.