Summary:
- The placenta is a temporary organ that begins to form from the trophoblast layer of cells shortly after implantation.
- It allows nutrients and wastes to be exchanged between the mother and fetus.
- Blood from the fetus enters the placentA through the umbilical arteries, exchanges gases and other substances with the mother’s blood, and travels back to the fetus through the Umbilical vein.
- The fetus is connected to theplacenta through the cord, a tube that contains two arteries and a vein.