Question

Where is the placenta located and what is its function.

Answer 1

Hint: The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy. It develops in the abdominal region, inside the organ which is present as a distensible muscular sac in females. It has many functions at the time of pregnancy and helps in the establishment of a connection between mother and fetus which ensures the survival of the fetus.

Complete step by step answer:
The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus at the time of pregnancy. It is the structure that provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and also drains the waste products from the baby’s blood.
The placenta develops in close proximity to the uterine wall and is attached to the wall, and gives rise to the umbilical cord of the baby. The organ is generally attached to the top, side, back, or front of the uterus. In rare cases, the placenta might be attached to a lower area of the uterus. In such cases, it is known as a low-lying placenta.

Functions
- The placenta acts as a physiological barrier between mother and fetus.
- It allows the diffusion of monosaccharides, amino acids, hormones, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and waste materials.
- It works as the excretory organ of the fetus by releasing the nitrogenous waste materials into the maternal blood.
- It also acts as an endocrine gland as it secretes lactogen, progesterone, etc. hormones.
- The placenta also manufactures fructose from glucose.

Note:
- Structures called placenta also exist in plants which are highly modified leaves to which ovules are attached. They are located in regions corresponding to the margins of the leaves but are actually sub- marginal in position.
- In flowering plants, placentation refers to the attachment of ovules inside the ovary.