Placenta Flashcards
Functions of the Placenta
BENGER
Barrier Endocrine Nutrition Growth Excretion Respiration
what does HCG stand for
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin
what does HPL stand for
Human Placental Lactogen
Hormones of pregnancy produced by the placenta
HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin)
HPL (human placental lactogen)
Oestrogen
progesterone
what is the intervillous space (Lacunae)
space in the placenta where maternal blood flows.
Chorionic villi enable oxygen and nutrition to pass to fetus.
carbon dioxide and waste pass to mother
Factors affecting function of placenta
- restricted blood flow
- smoking (reduction in uterine blood)
- maternal anxiety
- malaria
- poor trophoblastic invasion
what does Progesterone do?
maintains pregnancy
relaxes muscle
stimulates breast tissue
prevents lactation and uterine contraction
what does oestrogen do?
placenta is a major source of production stimulates fluid retention growth stimulating properties maintains endometrium promotes blood flow
what does HCG do?
maintains corpus luteum until placenta can take over
levels confirm successful fertilisation
what does HPL do?
development and growth of fetus
develops glands in breast for lactation
protects against rejection
increases insulin resistance
other structures involved in the placenta
umbilical cord
amniotic fluid
examination of placenta
size/shape/colour/smell is it complete where is the cord inserted number of vessels in the cord membranes present any visible irregularities disposal
different cord insertions
Velamentous insertion- cord inside membranes
succenturient lobe- extra extensions/lobes of placenta
marginal/battledore insertion- on the edge of placenta
risk of marginal and velamentous cord insertion
short umbilical cord, which could snap during controlled cord traction
what is a true knot
where the umbilical cord forms a knot in utero
