What is placenta ?

Placenta: It is a special double layered, spongy tissue connection between the foetus and uternine wall found in pregnant females. It has finger-like outgrowths or villi which are in contact with blood sinuses present in the uterine wall.

Role:

1. Attachment: Placenta attaches the foetus to uterine wall.
2. Villi: Placenta has finger-like outgrowths or villi which develop a large surface area for fixation and absorption.
3. Nutrients: Placenta picks up nutrients from mother’s blood and passes it to the blood of the foetus.
4. Waste Products: Waste products produced by the foetus passes out through the placenta into mother’s blood.
5. Gases: Foetus obtains oxygen supply from mother’s blood and eliminates carbon dioxide through placenta.