Placenta

The placenta acts as a selective barrier to protect the developing fetus from harmful substances while facilitating the exchange of nutrients and waste. It consists of specialized cells that limit the passage of small particles, including pathogens and toxins, through tight junctions and other mechanisms. This selective permeability ensures that only essential substances, like oxygen and certain nutrients, can cross while keeping harmful agents at bay. However, it is not entirely impermeable, as some small particles, such as certain drugs and infections, can still pass through.

Blood flows along the umbilical cord due to the differences in pressure between the mother's circulatory system and the fetus's circulatory system. The placenta acts as a site for nutrient and gas exchange, and the maternal blood supply creates a pressure gradient that facilitates the movement of oxygen-rich blood from the mother to the fetus through the umbilical vein. Conversely, deoxygenated blood from the fetus returns to the placenta via the umbilical arteries. This continuous flow is essential for fetal development and sustenance.

A "dirty placenta" refers to a placenta that shows signs of inflammation or infection, often characterized by an abnormal appearance or a higher level of debris, such as meconium or calcifications. This condition can suggest potential complications during pregnancy, such as fetal distress or maternal infection. The term is not a medical diagnosis but rather a descriptive term used in some contexts to indicate concerns about placental health. Proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential for managing any associated risks.

The placenta tissue must be removed after childbirth to prevent complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, and other health risks to the mother. Retained placenta can lead to conditions like postpartum hemorrhage or infection, which can be serious and require medical intervention. Additionally, the removal of the placenta is essential for the mother's body to begin the recovery process and return to its pre-pregnancy state.

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Battledore placenta, characterized by the placenta's insertion at the edge rather than the center, can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as increased risk of preterm labor or bleeding. However, many women with this condition have successful pregnancies without significant issues. Close monitoring by healthcare providers is essential to manage any potential risks. Overall, the impact varies among individuals, and many have healthy outcomes.

Enlarged circumvallate papillae on the back of the tongue during pregnancy can be attributed to hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and heightened sensitivity of the oral mucosa. These factors can lead to inflammation or swelling of the papillae, resulting in the appearance of bumps. Additionally, pregnancy can alter taste perception and saliva production, further contributing to changes in the oral environment. It's generally a benign condition, but if accompanied by pain or other symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.

Animals with placentas, known as placental mammals, include a wide variety of species such as humans, elephants, dogs, and whales. These animals give birth to live young that have developed inside the mother's uterus, receiving nutrients and oxygen through the placenta during gestation. Other examples include primates, rodents, and carnivores, showcasing the diversity of placental mammals in different environments.

The actual causes are unknown, but there are a number of risk factors which have not actually been determined as causative:

* abnormalities of the uterus * assisted reproductive techniques * smoking

* previous pregnancies * previous caesareans

Placenta praevia in the last two cases is thought to be related to the amount of scar tissue present, which may result in the embryo not implanting in the usual places higher in the uterus.

The placenta will be attached to the uterus, but it is not part of it. The uterus is a muscle and is part of basic female human anatomy. The placenta is an organ which is formed after conception.