What Is A Placenta?
What Is It?
The placenta is an organ connecting to a developing fetus. Placentas are a defining characteristic of eutherian or 'placental' mammals. However, placentas can also be found in non-mammals with varying layers of development.
What Is It's Purpose?
It's purpose is to feed the developing fetus with the nutrients it needs to grow, to eliminate unwanted waste and toxins, and to exchange gas via the mother's blood supply.
What Are The Different Types?
Type 1:
Low-Lying Placenta
This placenta generally is slightly thick and stays on the walls of the uterus.
Type 2:
Partial Placenta
This type is the same as the low-lying, except it slightly covers the cervical opening.
Type 3:
Complete Placenta
This type stays low and completely covers the cervical opening.