Health Sciences 4320A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Decidua, Fetal Membrane, Umbilical Cord
20 Feb 2020
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Placenta and fetal membranes separate the fetus from the endometrium. Exchanges of substances occurs between maternal and fetal bloodstreams through the placenta. Vessels in umbilical cord connect the placental circulation with fetal circulation. Fetal membranes include: chorion,amnion, umbilical vesicle, allantois. Primary site of nutrient and gas exchange between mother and embryo/fetus. A feto/maternal organ: fetal part develops from chorionic sac- outermost fetal membrane, maternal part is derived from endometrium, mucous membrane comprising inner layer of uterine wall. Placenta and umbilical cord form a transport system for substances passing between the mom and embryo/fetus. Nutrients and oxygen pass from maternal blood through placenta to fetal/embryo blood. Waste materials and carbon dioxide pass from fetal blood to maternal blood through placenta. Placenta and fetal membranes perform the following functions: protection, nutrition, reparation, excretion of waste products, hormone production. Afterbirth the placenta and fetal membranes are expelled from the uterus. The endometrium of the uterus in a pregnant woman.
