34 Difference between Umbilical Cord and Placenta

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Umbilical Cord and Placenta

The umbilical cord and placenta help animals, including humans, develop before birth. Each helps the baby and mother share nutrition, air, and waste materials. They’re related and work together, yet they’re separate. During pregnancy, the placenta matures into a complex organ. It transfers blood from the mother to the baby. The uterine wall attaches to it. The infant receives oxygen and nourishment from the mother. By blocking harmful substances, the placenta protects the infant. Progesterone and hCG are also produced by it.

The infant is attached to the placenta via a flexible umbilical cord. It has two arteries and one vein that delivers oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the infant and returns deoxygenated, waste-filled blood to it. The umbilical cord transfers gases and nutrients between the fetus and the mother’s bloodstream.

Both the placenta and the umbilical cord assist the fetus to obtain food and eliminate waste, although they are distinct. The placenta develops from the mother and fetus. However, the umbilical cord is primarily blood vessels and connective tissue. The placenta produces hormones, exchanges nutrients, and gases, and eliminates waste. Blood flows from the newborn to the placenta through the umbilical cord.

The umbilical cord and placenta help the infant grow and stay healthy during prenatal development. The placenta distributes nutrition, gases, and hormones. Blood flows through the umbilical cord between the fetus and the placenta. To comprehend the numerous mechanisms that maintain a fetus growing and developing during pregnancy, you need to grasp how these structures are distinct.

S. No.

Aspect

Umbilical Cord

Placenta

1

Composition

Flexible cord-like structure

Organ attached to the uterine wall

2

Function

Connects the fetus to the placenta

Provides oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste from the fetus

3

Length

Varies, typically around 20 inches (50 cm)

Disc-like organ, usually 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter

4

Structure

Contains blood vessels (veins and arteries)

Contains blood vessels, amniotic sac, and chorionic villi

5

Appearance

Cord-like, typically pale and gelatinous

Disk-like, reddish-brown color

6

Location

Connects the fetus at the belly button area

Attached to the uterine wall

7

Blood Flow

Carries oxygenated blood to the fetus

Transports nutrients and oxygen to the fetus

8

Waste Removal

Removes deoxygenated blood and waste products

Transfers waste and carbon dioxide from the fetus

9

Maternal Connection

Derived from both fetal and maternal tissues

Formed by maternal and fetal tissues

10

Development Time

Forms by the fifth week of gestation

Develops during early pregnancy

11

Components

Contains two arteries and one vein

Consists of maternal and fetal components

12

Amniotic Fluid Exchange

Does not directly exchange amniotic fluid

Facilitates exchange of nutrients and gases

13

Fetal Oxygenation

Provides oxygen to the fetus

Enables oxygen exchange for the fetus

14

Fetal Nutrient Supply

Delivers nutrients to the fetus

Supplies necessary nutrients to the fetus

15

Blood Type Compatibility

Fetus and mother’s blood types can differ

Blood types of fetus and mother can differ

16

Placental Barrier

Acts as a barrier between fetal and maternal blood

Facilitates nutrient and gas exchange

17

Hormone Production

Does not produce significant hormones

Produces hormones to support pregnancy

18

Removal After Birth

Remains attached until clamped and cut

Delivered shortly after the baby’s birth

19

Source of Stem Cells

Contains some fetal stem cells

Source of mesenchymal stem cells

20

Size Change During Pregnancy

Length remains relatively consistent

Grows in size throughout pregnancy

21

Protective Role

Protects the blood vessels within the cord

Provides a barrier against infections

22

Timing of Formation

Forms after the implantation of the embryo

Begins forming soon after conception

23

Nutrient Exchange Site

Not the primary site of nutrient exchange

Primary site of nutrient and gas exchange

24

Handling After Birth

Cord may be clamped and cut after birth

Placenta is typically delivered shortly after birth

25

Functions After Birth

No longer functional after birth

No longer required after the baby’s birth

26

Blood Volume

Carries a small portion of fetal blood volume

Has a significant portion of fetal blood volume

27

Fetal Waste Disposal

Participates in waste removal from the fetus

Does not actively remove fetal waste

28

Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood can be collected and stored for potential medical use

Placental tissue can also be collected for regenerative purposes

29

Implantation

Does not implant in the uterus

Attaches to the uterine wall

30

Protection of Fetus

Provides a conduit for nutrients and oxygen

Provides a barrier against maternal immune response

31

Vascular Structure

Contains vessels in a helical pattern

Contains vessels connected to the fetus

32

Blood Circulation

Oxygenated blood flows from placenta to fetus

Oxygenated blood flows from mother to fetus

33

Removal During Delivery

Typically clamped and cut after baby’s birth

Delivered shortly after the baby’s birth

34

Attachment to Uterus

Not directly attached to the uterine wall

Attached to the uterine wall through chorionic villi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does the placenta do during pregnancy?

The placenta joins the mother and fetus during pregnancy. It transfers nutrients, oxygen, and waste between the mother and fetus. Placentas generate hCG and progesterone.

Q2. What is the umbilical cord, and how does it function?

The fetus’s umbilical cord is flexible. Two arteries and one vein carry blood between the fetus and the placenta. The arteries return deoxygenated and waste-laden blood to the placenta, while the veins carry oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the fetus. This cord transports gases, nutrients, and waste.

Q3. How do the placenta and umbilical cord form?

Fetal and maternal tissues form the placenta. It attaches to the uterine wall from the fertilized egg and uterine lining. The connecting stalk from the embryo develops the umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the placenta.

Q4. Can placenta or umbilical cord abnormalities affect pregnancy?

Placenta and umbilical cord issues might affect pregnancy. Bleeding, reduced fetal development, and oxygen deprivation can result from placenta previa, placental abruption, or umbilical cord anomalies. Prenatal care detects and addresses concerns.

Q5. What happens to the placenta and cord after birth?

Fetal and maternal tissues form the placenta. It attaches to the uterine wall from the fertilized egg and uterine lining. The connecting stalk from the embryo develops the umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the placenta.

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