The proper spelling of the term "maternal placenta" is often mistaken due to its complex phonetic structure. The word "maternal" is pronounced as /məˈtəːn(ə)l/ in IPA transcription, while "placenta" should be pronounced as /pləˈsɛntə/ in the same system. Together, the word is pronounced as /məˈtəːn(ə)l pləˈsɛntə/. It refers to the placenta, which forms during pregnancy and is attached to the mother's uterus. The maternal placenta provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus, making it a crucial organ during pregnancy.
Maternal placenta refers to the part of the placenta that is derived from the maternal tissues during pregnancy. The placenta is an essential organ that develops in the uterus during gestation to provide vital nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. It performs various functions like hormone production, waste elimination, and immune protection.
The maternal placenta is responsible for the transfer of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. It forms as a result of the interaction between the maternal uterine tissue and embryonic tissues. The maternal placenta includes the decidua basalis, a specialized layer of the endometrium that undergoes dramatic changes to support pregnancy.
During the early stages of pregnancy, after implantation, the maternal placenta starts to form and establishes a network of blood vessels that surround the developing embryo. This allows for the exchange of substances like oxygen and nutrients between the mother and the growing fetus. It also ensures the removal of metabolic waste products, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
The maternal placenta is expelled from the uterus after childbirth during the third stage of labor. At this stage, the uterus contracts to detach and expel the placenta, which is commonly referred to as "afterbirth." After delivery, the maternal placenta is no longer needed and is naturally eliminated from the body.
In summary, the maternal placenta is a vital organ that develops during pregnancy, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus.
The thin membrane lining the p., formed of the decidua serotina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "maternal" comes from the Latin word "maternus", which means "related to a mother". It is derived from the Latin word "mater", meaning "mother". "Placenta" also has Latin roots, originating from the word "placenta" which means "cake". This Latin term was used to describe the flat, circular organ that connects a developing fetus to the uterine wall during pregnancy. Hence, the combination of these two words results in "maternal placenta", which refers to the organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy and is involved in the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and the fetus.