on November 19, 2023, 4:08 AM
Inside the mother’s body, the embryo gets nourishment through the placenta, a unique organ that connects the developing embryo to the uterine wall. The placenta facilitates the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the embryo. It also removes waste products from the embryo’s blood. This exchange is critical for the growth and development of the embryo throughout pregnancy.
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Formation of the Placenta
The placenta forms shortly after conception, developing from the same fertilized egg that becomes the embryo. It attaches to the wall of the uterus and establishes a connection between the mother and the developing embryo.
This organ is vital for the embryo’s growth and development, as it serves as the interface for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
Nutrient Transfer to the Embryo
The placenta plays a crucial role in transferring nutrients from the mother to the embryo. Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals pass from the mother’s bloodstream through the placenta to the embryo. This transfer is essential for the energy and building blocks needed for the embryo’s growth and development.
Oxygen Supply and Waste Removal
Oxygen is vital for the embryo’s development and is supplied via the placenta. The mother’s blood, rich in oxygen, flows to the placenta, where oxygen is transferred to the embryo’s blood. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide and other waste products from the embryo are transferred back to the mother’s blood through the placenta, effectively removing waste from the embryo’s system.
Hormonal Support and Immune Protection
The placenta also produces hormones necessary for maintaining pregnancy, such as progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These hormones help sustain the uterine lining and support the embryo’s growth. Additionally, the placenta provides a form of immune protection, filtering out some harmful substances that might pass from the mother to the embryo.
The Umbilical Cord: A Vital Link
The umbilical cord, connecting the embryo to the placenta, is the physical lifeline that carries blood, rich in nutrients and oxygen, to the embryo. It comprises two arteries and one vein encased in a jelly-like substance, providing a protected pathway for the essential exchange of substances between the mother and the embryo. This connection is crucial for the embryo’s survival and development throughout the pregnancy.
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Questions of Class 10 Science Chapter 7 in Detail
