4.

3 EARLY
DEVELOPMENT OF THE
HUMAN ZYGOTE
To state the functions of the placenta in
foetal development.

To explain the advantages of foetus
having a separate circulatory system from
that of the mother.
The organs in a foetus
are not fully developed
yet depends on the
mother for food &
oxygen, & to get rid of
its waste products.

Functions in the
exchange of substances
between the foetus &
the mother.
The exchange occurs via trophoblastic
villi (TV).

TV human chorionic
gonadotrophin (HCG) stimulates
the Corpus Luteum to increase in size
& continue to produce oestrogen &
progesteron maintain the structure
of endometrium & inhibit FSH
production.
The foetus is connected
to the placenta by the
umbilical cord (umbilical
arteries & umbilical
vein).

In the placenta, the
umbilical arteries
branch into a network of
blood capillaries in the
trophoblastic villi of the
placenta.
Surrounding the villi
is a space filled with
maternal blood.

In the placenta,
foetal blood &
maternal blood do
not mix. They are
separated by two
layers of cells which
facilitates diffusion.
Oxygen, food & some
antibodies diffuse from
the maternal blood into
the foetal blood.

Carbon dioxide, &
nitrogenous waste
products diffuse from the
foetal blood into the
maternal blood & is
excrete by the mother.
Foetal blood containing oxygen & food is
carried back to the heart of the foetus by
the umbilical vein.

Any molecules which is small enough will
be able to cross from the maternal blood to
the foetal blood.

Harmful substances alcohol, nicotine,
other drugs, lead particles, viruses (rubella
& HIV) are able to cross the placenta.
Why its so important for the foetus to
have a separate circulatory system from
the mothers?
If the foetus has a blood group which is not
compatible with the mothers, the mixing of
their blood could lead to agglutination &
death.

Blood pressure of maternal circulation is
much higher than the foetal circulation
prevents from damaging the delicate tissues
& organs of the developing foetus.