answersLogoWhite

0

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)

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the main function of the placenta in a mammal?

caca


The main function of the placenta in a mammal is?

it extracts food and oxygen from the uterine wall of the mother to the fetus.


What Function of the placenta?

Both of these


Why would a miscarriage occur if the placenta was damaged?

If the placenta don't function the embryo will die.


What is placenta and what is function?

For nine months the placenta feeds and nourishes the fetus while also disposing of toxic waste.


What is the function of placental in mammals?

The placenta is for nourishing the embryo.


What is placenta and what is its function?

For nine months the placenta feeds and nourishes the fetus while also disposing of toxic waste.


When the lungs do not function in a fetal pig what takes over their function?

The placenta. Deoxygenated blood flows to the placenta where the carbon dioxide is removed and oxygen added. Oxygen rich blood returns to the fetus. Blood is carried to and from the fetus by the umbilical cord.


As the foetus develops in the womb the placenta plays an important role give two functions of the placenta?

The main function of placenta in pregnancy is to supply your baby with sufficient nourishment. Generally it is found to evaluate around one-sixth of your newborn's weight. Every minute during the pregnancy, approximately about 550 ml of blood gets pushed into the uterus to replace enough nutrients with the placenta for your baby.


How is the placenta adapted for its function?

The structure of the placenta is related to its functions because its functions is to support the embryo/foetus in ways such as providing it with nourishment, and oxygen which explains the relevance of the placenta to its function of supporting the growing individual.


What is the function of placenta as far as food is concerned?

It provides food to embryo .


What is the function of umbilical vein in fetus after birth?

It nourishes the fetal pig.