what is the function of the placenta?

Answer 1

it feeds the baby

Answer 2

The placenta is a temporary organ required for the development of the embryo and fetus. It allows for the exchange of metabolic products between the fetus and the mother.


Placental Functions

The placenta functions in metabolism, in the transport of substances and in endocrine secretion.



Metabolism:

During early pregnancy, the placenta synthesizes glycogen, cholesterol and fatty acids, which serve as sources of nutrients and energy for the embryo and fetus.

Transport:

The placenta has a very large surface area, which facilitates the transport of substances in both directions. The surface area at 28 weeks is 5 square metres, and at term it is almost 11 square metres. About 5 to 10% of this surface area is extremely thin, measuring only a few microns.

The bulk of the substances transferred from mother to fetus consists of oxygen and nutrients. The fetus eliminates carbon dioxide and waste materials (eg., urea and bilirubin) into the maternal circulation.

The exchange of gases occurs via diffusion. The placenta is also highly permeable to glucose, but much less permeable to fructose and other common disaccharides. Amino acids are transported through speciic receptors. Some proteins are transferred slowly through the placenta, mainly via pinocytosis. The transfer of maternal antibodies (mainly IgG) is important in providing passive immunity to the newborn. Another maternal protein, transferrin, carries iron to the placental surface, from there it is actively transported into the fetal tissues. Steroid hormones easily cross the placental barrier; protein hormones are much more poorly transported (but maternal thyroid hormone gains slow access to the fetus, and fetal insulin can reduce symptoms of maternal diabetes).

The placenta is also very permeable to alcohol and other drugs and to some viruses. These agents can cause birth defects.

Placental hormone synthesis:

The syncytiotrophoblast is an important endocrine organ for much of the pregnancy. It produces both protein and steroid hormones. The major placental hormones are listed below.

Answer 3

The placenta protects the growing baby inside the womans body. After childbirth, it is expelled through the birth canal.

Answer 4

The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. Its purpose is to nourish the baby.

Answer 5

It provides the baby's nutrients while in the womb.

Answer 6

It feeds the baby.

Answer 7

The baby gets nutrients from it in its mother's womb. I think it might help protect the baby when birthing too. Dunno exactly, don't have kids.