placenta

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

00945584

Full Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
70
Reaction score
2
what passes though the placenta?
how does the fetus recieve oxygen because O2 is transfered through the blood and blood of the mother and fetus dont mix.

i think i am right.
 
The blood doesn't mix, you're right. But nutrients, O2, CO2, etc. pass through the placenta easily. The fetus gets O2 from the mother because fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for O2 that adult hemoglobin does (this is because fetal Hb has a lower affinity for 2,3-BPG). Anyways, the fetal Hb basically "strips" the adult Hb off its O2. This is how the fetus gets oxygen. Hope this helps.
 
I got to hold my first placenta the other day after a C-Section... so cool!!! Kind of felt like a big jelly fish.
 

Similar threads

Top