Here's how it works:
* Formation: The placenta develops from tissues of both the mother and the embryo.
* Function: It serves as a vital interface for:
* Nutrient and oxygen transfer: The placenta allows the mother's blood to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the embryo.
* Waste removal: It carries waste products from the embryo to the mother's bloodstream for elimination.
* Hormone production: The placenta produces hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that are essential for maintaining pregnancy.
* Immune protection: The placenta helps to protect the embryo from the mother's immune system.
The placenta is connected to the embryo by the umbilical cord, which contains blood vessels that transport nutrients and oxygen to the embryo and waste products back to the mother.
This intricate system is vital for the embryo's growth and development throughout pregnancy.
