Placenta Function: How Nutrients & Waste Transfer Between Mother & Fetus

The placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the foetus and removes waste products. The placenta also produces hormones that support the pregnancy.

The placenta is made up of two parts: the maternal part and the foetal part. The maternal part is made up of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. The foetal part is made up of the chorionic villi, which are finger-like projections that extend into the maternal part.

The following substances pass from the foetus to the mother in the placenta:

- Carbon dioxide

- Urea

- Creatinine

- Uric acid

- Bilirubin

- Hormones (such as oestrogen and progesterone)

These substances are transported from the foetus to the mother through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is a long, thin tube that connects the foetus to the placenta.