Question

what is placenta? describe the structural and functional features of it?

Answer 1

Placenta is the circular organ present in the uterus of pregnant mammals which is required for the nourishment and maintenance of the fetus. It performs various function like:

1) Nutrition : It helps to transport nutrients from mother's blood to foetus for its development.

2) Respiration: It provides oxygen to the fetus and take CO2away from the fetus.

3) Excretion: It helps in the removal of waste products from the fetus and transfers them to mother's blood.

4) Immunity: It provides immunity to the fetus. Antibodies developed in mother passes onto fetus through the placenta.

5) Storage: Placenta can stores some fats, glycogen and iron.

6) Secretion of hormones: It secretes many hormones like estrogen, progesterone, gonadotropin and placental lactogen, thus functions as an endocrine gland.

Answer 2

Answer :-

Placenta is a special sort of tissue that develops between the uterine wall and the embryo (in the foetus stage).

Structure :-

The Placenta tissue eventually grows into a "flat disc" like structure, which covers a part of the uterine wall.

The functions of the Placenta are as follows :-

• During pregnancy, the placenta helps to attach the foetus to the uterine wall.

• The Placenta possesses "Villi" that help in increasing the total surface area for fixation and absorption.

• The Placenta facilitates the passage of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo's body from the mother's body through blood.

• The Placenta helps in the removal of waste products from the embryo's body to the mother's body through blood.