Question

What is placenta? Mention its role during pregnancy?

Answer 1

Placenta is a special disc-like structure embedded in uterine wall. It is an intimate connection between the embryo and the uterine wall. It contains blood spaces on the mother's side and thousands of villi (small projections) on the foetal side that provide a large surface area for the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the foetus. 

Role of placenta during pregnancy :

The exchange of materials between the blood of mother and foetus takes place through placenta. It provides nutrition to the foetus. It also serves as the respiratory (by allowing exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide) and excretory organs (by allowing excretion of waste material of foetus into mother's blood) of the foetus.