Function

The placenta performs all the functions needed for healthy growth and development of the baby. It also plays an important role in mediating maternal adaptations to pregnancy. It is amazing that all of these functions can be done by a single organ! Click here to learn more about the functions of the placenta.

Structure

Click here to learn about the gross anatomy of the placenta. The placenta is made up of functional units called chorionic villi.

Blood Flow & SPIRAL ARTERIES

Blood flow through the placenta is an interesting and unique process. An important aspect of placental development is the remodeling of the maternal uterine spiral arteries. Unremodeled spiral arteries lead reduced blood flow into the placenta.

PLACENTA PROGRAMMING

Placenta programming occurs when environmental exposures alter placental structure and function through the following:

  • Changes in supply of nutrients, oxygen, and methyl donors

  • Alterations in hormones and other signalling molecules

The placenta responds by transmitting programming stimuli to the fetus and mechanisms that regulate placental growth and development serve was causative agents for programming of chronic disease. Click here to learn more about placenta programming.

Placenta Imaging

There are several methods used for placenta imaging. Click here to learn about Doppler Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Micro-focus Computed Tomography (Micro-CT).

Research Methods

We use a variety of techniques to study the placenta. Studying the placenta in healthy and complicated pregnancies is important to understand why problems arise and identify ways to prevent and treat them. Click here to learn more about the research methods that can be used for studying placental health.

Histology

Histology is “the study of the microscopic structure of tissues.” Click here to see the difference between a healthy and unhealthy placenta under the microscope.

Pathology

Pathology is “the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.” Click here on the link to see some of the common lesions reported in placental pathology.

Flt-1 Staining

Flt-1 is a protein important in the development of blood vessels. Click here to see immunohistochemical staining of placental tissue for Flt-1 protein.