Question

State three functions of the placenta.

Answer 1

Three functions of placenta are as follows:

1. The placenta facilitates the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients from the mother’s blood to the developing embryo or fetus.
2. It removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other excretory waste products produced by the embryo/fetus, thus acting as an excretory organ.
3. The placenta functions as an endocrine gland by producing important hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, and progestogens which help maintain pregnancy and prepare the mother’s body for childbirth and lactation. Additionally, it allows transfer of maternal immunoglobulins that provide immunity to the fetus and newborn.