6. Development of the Placenta

6.1 Structure

  • Maternal side: decidua basalis
  • Fetal side: chorionic villi

6.2 Functions

  • Gas exchange
  • Nutrient and waste transfer
  • Hormone production
  • Immunological barrier

6.3 Placental Hormones

  • hCG: maintains corpus luteum
  • Progesterone: maintains pregnancy
  • Estrogen: growth of uterus & breasts
  • hPL (hCS): regulates maternal glucose & lipid metabolism