The placenta is a large organ that develops during pregnancy.Blood from the mother passes through the placenta, filtering oxygen, glucose and other nutrients to your baby via the umbilical cord.

1. Placenta
by: khalid altameemi

2. Development
 The placenta begins to develop upon implantation of the blastocyst
into the maternal endometrium. The outer layer of the blastocyst
becomes the trophoblast, which forms the outer layer of the
placenta. This outer layer is divided into two further layers: the
underlying cytotrophoblast layer and the overlying
syncytiotrophoblast layer. The syncytiotrophoblast is a
multinucleated continuous cell layer that covers the surface of the
placenta. It forms as a result of differentiation and fusion of the
underlying cytotrophoblast cells, a process that continues throughout
placental development. The syncytiotrophoblast (otherwise known
as syncytium), thereby contributes to the barrier function of the
placenta.

3. Placenta

4. The Placenta Origin
The placenta develops from the
chorionfrondosum (foetal origin) and
deciduabasalis (maternal origin).
Anatomy at term:
Shape: discoid. Diameter: 15-20 cm.
Weight: 500 gm.*
Thickness: 2.5 cm at its center and
gradually tapers towards the
periphery.
Position: in the upper uterine
segment (99.5%), either in the
posterior surface (2/3) or the anterior
surface (1/3).

5. Placenta

6. Foetal surface: smooth, glistening and is covered by the amnion which is
reflected on the cord. The umbilical cord is inserted near or at the center
of this surface and its radiating branches can be seen beneath the
amnion.
Maternal surface: dull greyish red in colour and is divided into 15-20
cotyledons. Each cotyledon is formed of the branches of one main villus
stem covered by deciduabasalis

7. Surfaces

8. Nutrition
The placenta intermediates the transfer of nutrients between mother and
fetus. The perfusion of the intervillous spaces of the placenta with maternal
blood allows the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the
fetus and the transfer of waste products and carbon dioxide back from the
fetus to the maternal blood. Nutrient transfer to the fetus can occur via both
active and passive transport.[20] Placental nutrient metabolism was found to
play a key role in limiting the transfer of some nutrients.[21] Adverse
pregnancy situations, such as those involving maternal diabetes or obesity,
can increase or decrease levels of nutrient transporters in the placenta
potentially resulting in overgrowth or restricted growth of the fetus

9. Excretion
Waste products excreted from the fetus such as urea, uric acid,
and creatinine are transferred to the maternal blood by diffusion
across the placenta.

10. Immunity
IgG antibodies can pass through the human placenta, thereby
providing protection to the fetus in utero.[23] This transfer of
antibodies begins as early as the 20th week of gestational age,
and certainly by the 24th week.[24] This passive immunity lingers
for several months after birth, thus providing the newborn with a
carbon copy of the mother's long-term humoral immunity to see
the infant through the crucial first months of extrauterine life. IgM,
however, cannot cross the placenta, which is why some infections
acquired during pregnancy can be hazardous for the fetus.

11. Endocrine function
The first hormone released by the placenta is called the human chorionic
gonadotropin hormone. This is responsible for stopping the process at the
end of menses when the Corpus luteum ceases activity and atrophies. If
hCG did not interrupt this process, it would lead to spontaneous abortion of
the fetus. The corpus luteum also produces and releases progesterone and
estrogen, and hCG stimulates it to increase the amount that it releases.
hCG is the indicator of pregnancy that pregnancy tests look for. These tests
will work when menses has not occurred or after implantation has
happened on days seven to ten.

12. Progesterone helps the embryo implant by assisting passage through the
fallopian tubes. It also affects the fallopian tubes and the uterus by stimulating
an increase in secretions necessary for fetal nutrition. Progesterone, like hCG,
is necessary to prevent spontaneous abortion because it prevents
contractions of the uterus, and is necessary for implantation.
Estrogen is a crucial hormone in the process of proliferation. This involves the
enlargement of the breasts and uterus, allowing for growth of the fetus and
production of milk. Estrogen is also responsible for increased blood supply
towards the end of pregnancy through vasodilation. The levels of estrogen
during pregnancy can increase so that they are thirty times what a non-
pregnant woman mid-cycles estrogen level would be.

13. Problems with the placenta can potentially be dangerous for both mother and baby:
Placenta accreta: when the placenta is not attached to the womb properly. This can
lead to massive blood loss during or after delivery and can be life-threatening.
Placental abruption: when the placenta peels away from the wall of the womb before
delivery. This can cause bleeding and means your baby may not be getting all the
nutrients they need. In some cases an early delivery may be needed.
Placenta praevia: When the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix, the opening
where the baby will come out. This condition is more common early in pregnancy and
often resolves as the placenta moves. But if the placenta is still covering the cervix
close to the time of delivery, a caesarean section will be necessary.

14. Placenta complications

15. It is important to visit your healthcare provider regularly during pregnancy to check for
any problems with your placenta.
Tell your doctor if you have had problems with the placenta in a previous pregnancy, or if
you have had any surgery to your womb.
Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take any illegal drugs during pregnancy since this
increases the likelihood you will have problems with the placenta. Always consult your
doctor before you take any medicines, including over the counter medicines, natural
therapies and supplements, while you are pregnant.

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