Summary
An organ connecting mother and fetus that exchanges nutrients, gases and wastes.
In depth
The placenta provides gas exchange, nutrient and waste transfer, hormone production (hCG, progesterone) and some antibody transfer (IgG), while separating maternal and fetal blood. Chorionic villi bathe in maternal blood.
Maternal and fetal blood do not mix; exchange occurs across thin villi walls. The placenta also acts as an endocrine organ and partial barrier, though some drugs, alcohol and viruses cross.
Key idea: it is made from both fetal and maternal tissue.
Frequently asked questions
What is Placenta?
An organ connecting mother and fetus that exchanges nutrients, gases and wastes.
Which area of biology covers Placenta, and how advanced is it?
Placenta is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Fetal Development, Birth, Growth.
Can you give an example of Placenta?
The placenta is delivered after the baby as the afterbirth.
What should I learn before Placenta?
Placenta is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Developmental Biology that pair well with it include Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo.
What topics are related to Placenta?
The closest topics to Placenta are Fetal Development, Birth, Growth, Embryo. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Placenta?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Placenta. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Placenta different from Fetal Development?
Placenta: An organ connecting mother and fetus that exchanges nutrients, gases and wastes. Fetal Development: In humans the embryo becomes a fetus after eight weeks, growing until birth around nine months. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Placenta step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fetal Development and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.