reviewPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological SciencesJan 19, 2015BRONZE OA

The placenta: a multifaceted, transient organ

GJGraham J. BurtonALAbigail L. Fowden

University of Cambridge

PubMed
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Abstract

The placenta is arguably the most important organ of the body, but paradoxically the most poorly understood. During its transient existence, it performs actions that are later taken on by diverse separate organs, including the lungs, liver, gut, kidneys and endocrine glands. Its principal function is to supply the fetus, and in particular, the fetal brain, with oxygen and nutrients. The placenta is structurally adapted to achieve this, possessing a large surface area for exchange and a thin interhaemal membrane separating the maternal and fetal circulations. In addition, it adopts other strategies that are key to facilitating transfer, including remodelling of the maternal uterine arteries that supply the…

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805
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Authors

2

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Placenta
  • Fetus
  • Fetal circulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Intervillous space
  • Placental Circulation
  • Uterus
  • Biology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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