What is the main function of the placenta?

Answer 1

The placenta has several functions in development of the human embryo. # It is an endocrine organ, i.e an organ which secretes hormones from endocrine glands which are ductless. # It is involved in the exchange of substances between the maternal and fetal circulation, e.g. glucose, water, inorganic ions, antibodies, fatty acids, amino acids, etc. # It acts as a barrier bwtween the fetal and maternal circulation for the following reasons - firstly because the mother may have a different blood type to the fetus (i.e. Rhesus Negative when the baby is Rhesus positive) and this stops her from mounting an immune response against the fetus. Secondly because the higher blood pressure of the mother would damage the fetal capillaries, which are very fragile if the placenta wasn't there to act as a barrier. # The blood flow in maternal and fetal capillaries in the placenta is counter-current, in other words they flow in opposite directions, maximising the concentration gradient between them, which is essential for transport of substances by the mechanism of diffusion (e.g. of waste gases like CO2) and facilitated diffusion (e.g of glucose)

Answer 2

the placenta used to feed the growing baby inside the mothers body
The Placenta provides nutrients, oxygen, helps protect your baby from infections, and also discards of waste produced by your baby.

Answer 3

1. The placenta acts to provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, whilst removing carbon dioxide and other waste products. It metabolises a number of substances and can release metabolic products into maternal and/or fetal circulations.

Answer 4

One function of the placenta is to permit passage of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby

Answer 5

it provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients and passes carbon dioxide back to the mother.

Answer 6

The placenta provides oxygen and food to the growing embryo.