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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Placenta and Uterus?

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The placenta and uterus are two crucial structures involved in pregnancy, but they have distinct roles and characteristics. Here are the key differences between them:

  1. Structure and Shape: The placenta is a disk-shaped organ, while the uterus is a pear-shaped organ.
  2. Function: The placenta is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby, as well as removing waste products from the baby's blood. The uterus, on the other hand, is the place where a fertilized egg implants and starts to develop into a child.
  3. Formation: The placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of the uterus and provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby through the umbilical cord.
  4. Delivery: During labor, the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and is pushed into the vagina, a process known as the afterbirth.
  5. Relation: The placenta is connected to the uterine wall, and the baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord. Together, they ensure the survival of the fetus until delivery.

In summary, the placenta and uterus are two distinct structures with different functions in pregnancy. The placenta provides oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal for the developing baby, while the uterus is the organ where the fertilized egg implants and grows.

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  • What is the Difference Between Placenta and Uterus?
  • Comparative Table: Placenta vs Uterus

    • Comparative Table: Placenta vs Uterus

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between the placenta and the uterus:

    Feature Placenta Uterus
    Definition An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, and removing waste products from the fetus. A thick-walled, pear-shaped organ where the fetus develops during pregnancy, measuring about 7 cm in length and weighing 30 grams.
    Location Located in the uterus, attached to the uterine wall. Located in the pelvic region of the female reproductive system.
    Structure Composed of fetal and maternal tissues, with the fetal part known as the chorion. Made of a smooth, shiny inner surface and a rough, purplish-red outer surface covered by the decidua basalis.
    Function Allows for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the maternal and fetal circulations. Provides a protected environment for the developing fetus, and contracts during labor to expel the fetus.
    Size Disc-shaped, approximately 16 to 20 cm in diameter, and 1.2 to 1.6 inches in thickness at its thickest part, weighing between 500 and 1,000 grams. About 2.75 inches in length and weighing 30 grams.
    Growth Develops from the chorion frondosum and the decidua basalis, reaching its maximum size and function by days 60-70 of gestation. Grows in size and thickness during pregnancy to accommodate the developing fetus.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.