The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the mother and the fetus. It is located in the mucous membrane of the uterus, usually on its back wall, although its position may vary. After the birth of a child, the placenta leaves after him, after a few minutes.
The importance of the placenta is difficult to overestimate - it nourishes the baby, transfers oxygen to it and displays the products of vital activity. Without it, it is impossible to imagine a pregnancy, because it is a vital component for the developing fetus. We will learn a little more about what are the structure and functions of the placenta?
Structure of the placenta
The placenta consists of many layers, so its structure is said to be the histological structure of the placenta. That is - considered layer by layer. So, the placental histology from the fetus to the mother:
- amnion - synthesizes amniotic fluid and adsorbs them;
- stroma - is a connective tissue, contains vessels and cells of a microphage - Kashchenko-Gofbaur;
- cytotrophoblast - cells that form syncytia, secrete BAC;
- syncytiotrophoblast - snowshoeer symplast, covers the cytotrophoblast;
- lacunae - filled with blood;
- trophoblast - covers lacunas, grows into the walls of spiral arteries and prevents their contraction;
- fibrinoid - otherwise called the Lantgans layer;
- decidua - endometrium with glycogen-rich decylulus cells.
Basic functions of the placenta
The structure and functions of the placenta are interrelated. Each layer of the placenta plays the role assigned to it, as a result, the body performs such important functions:
- gas exchange - oxygen enters the baby, and carbon dioxide is removed from it in the opposite direction;
- food - the fetus receives through the placenta all the necessary nutrients
substance. Unfortunately, nicotine, alcohol and many medications also pass through a protective barrier and get to the baby. The placenta is also used to divert the products of the fetus; - Immunological protection - the placenta delays the immune cells of the mother, who, upon reaching the fetus, would consider him a foreign object and tried to get rid of him. At the same time, the placenta carries maternal antibodies to protect the fetus from infections;
- the synthesis of hormones - the placenta plays the role of the endocrine gland, synthesizing the hormones of hCG, prolactin, placental lactogen and so on. They are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy and fetal development.