Placenta Flashcards
Describe the shape of the placenta
Disc shaped
Averages 22cm (9inch) long and 2–2.5cm (0.8–1inch) thick
The centre being the thickest
The edges being the thinnest.
How much does placenta weigh?
Approx 500g
Describe colour of placenta
Has a dark reddish-blue or crimson colour
How is placenta connected to foetus?
Via umbilical cord
What does the umbilical cord contain?
Two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein.
Vessels branch out over the surface of the placenta and further divide to form a network covered by a thin layer of cells.
What is function of placenta?
- Nutrition
- Excretion
- Immunity
- Endocrine
- Defence
How is placenta involved in nutrion?
Transfer of nutrients and O2
How is placenta involved in excretion?
Removal of CO2 and waste products
How is placenta involved in immunity?
Transfer of antibodies providing protection from infections
How is placenta involved in endocrine?
Manufacture of steroid hormones (Oestrogen and Progesterone), Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
How is placenta involved in defence?
Protection from mum’s immune system.
