placenta etymology

Etymology:

The word "placenta" comes from the Latin word "placenta," which means "flat cake." This term was first used to describe the flattened, disk-shaped organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall.

Meaning:

The placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. It is responsible for:

  • Supplying nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the developing fetus
  • Removing waste products from the fetus
  • Producing hormones that support pregnancy

Origin:

The placenta originates from two sources:

  • Trophoblast: The outermost layer of cells surrounding the developing embryo.
  • Decidua: The thickened lining of the uterus where the embryo implants.

During early pregnancy, the trophoblast cells invade the decidua and form finger-like projections called chorionic villi. These villi interlock with maternal blood vessels in the decidua, creating a network for nutrient and waste exchange.

As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta grows and develops into a highly specialized organ with multiple layers and structures. It reaches full maturity around the end of the second trimester and remains functional until the end of pregnancy, when it is expelled with the baby during labor.

placenta relate terms

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