How does the embryo get nourished in mothers body?

The embryo, and later the fetus, gets nourished within the mother's body through a specialized organ called the placenta. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Formation of the Placenta:

* After implantation, the embryo develops a structure called the chorion, which grows finger-like projections called chorionic villi.

* These villi extend into the uterine wall, which is rich in blood vessels.

* The maternal and fetal blood vessels intertwine but do not directly connect, creating a barrier between the two circulatory systems. This barrier is essential to prevent mixing of the mother's and baby's blood, which could trigger an immune response.

2. Nutrient and Oxygen Exchange:

* The placenta acts as a filter and exchange site.

* Nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood diffuse across the barrier into the chorionic villi, where they are picked up by the fetal blood vessels.

* Waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetal blood diffuse in the opposite direction, passing through the barrier into the maternal blood to be eliminated.

3. Other Functions:

* Hormone Production: The placenta also produces hormones essential for pregnancy, such as estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These hormones help maintain the pregnancy, prepare the mother's body for childbirth, and stimulate the development of the fetus.

* Waste Removal: The placenta plays a vital role in removing waste products from the fetal circulation, including carbon dioxide, urea, and bilirubin.

* Protection: The placenta also protects the fetus from some harmful substances in the mother's bloodstream, though not all substances are blocked.

4. Delivery:

* The placenta is attached to the uterine wall by the umbilical cord, which contains the blood vessels that connect the placenta to the fetus.

* After birth, the placenta is delivered as the "afterbirth".

In summary, the placenta is a critical organ that allows the transfer of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus. This unique organ ensures the healthy growth and development of the baby throughout pregnancy.

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