Chapter 39 - Placenta and Placental Transport Function

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Abstract

For all eutherian mammals, the placenta forms the interface between the fetus and the mother, providing all functions that are essential for fetal survival, growth, and development, including gas exchange, nutrient transport, removal of waste products, production of essential hormones, and establishment of fetal immunological defense. Although all placentas fulfill these functions, marked differences exist among different organisms with respect to placental shape, vascularity, blood flow, and tissue interface, resulting in marked structural and functional diversity. The basic unit of the human placenta, the villus, contains fetal blood vessels and is surfaced by the trophoblast, which is directly bathed in the maternal blood. The trophoblast regulates the transport of gases, water, electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, micronutrients, and immunoglobulins, and controls acid–base balance and the transfer of drugs and xenobiotics. When resources are limited, the placenta is uniquely positioned to integrate a number of maternal and fetal signals in order to balance fetal demands with maternal resources, negotiating the growth and homeostatic needs of the two organisms.

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