The Placenta

Formation begins at Implantation 3rd week after conception the trophoblast cells of the chorionic villi will continue to invade the decidua basalis As the uterine capillaries are tapped the endometrial spiral arteries fill with maternal blood The chorionic villi grow into the spaces with 2 layers of cells:

The outer syncitium Inner cytotrophoblast

Placental Structure

A third layer develops into anchoring septa ultimately dividing the placenta into separate areas called cotyledons In each cotyledon the chorionic villi branch out and fetal blood vessels form Each cotyledon is a functional unit All together the complete structure is The Placenta

Placenta

The placenta functions as a way to have metabolic exchange between the fetus and the mother without having the mother and fetus mix their blood There is 1 layer between the fetus and mom by the 5th month that is 1 cell layer thick: the syncitium. This is the functional layer of the placenta The placenta is complete and functioning by 12 weeks, it will continue to grow in size until 20 weeks

Placenta

The placenta produces hormones required for the survival of the fetus and pregnancy. hCG-prevents the normal involution of the corpus luteum at the end of the menstrual cycle; hCS stimulates maternal metabolism to supply nutrients for fetal metabolism Stimulates the corpus luteum to produce estrogen and progesterone Plays a role in preventing the body from rejecting the pregnancy (placenta and embryo)

Endocrine

Functions of the Placenta: Metabolic Endocrine Storage Waste

8 week placenta

Placenta

In the placenta at the syncitium maternal blood picks up waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus and drains it back into the maternal system.

Transport