Book contents
- Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy
- Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Section 1 The Basics: for the Obstetrician
- Section 2 The Basics: for the Non-Obstetrician
- 4 Cardiopulmonary Physiological Alterations in Pregnancy
- 5 Gas Exchange across the Placenta
- Section 3 Pulmonary Conditions Not Specific to Pregnancy
- Section 4 Pulmonary Conditions Related to Pregnancy
- Section 5 Other Pulmonary Issues in Pregnancy
- Index
- References
5 - Gas Exchange across the Placenta
from Section 2 - The Basics: for the Non-Obstetrician
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 April 2020
- Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy
- Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Section 1 The Basics: for the Obstetrician
- Section 2 The Basics: for the Non-Obstetrician
- 4 Cardiopulmonary Physiological Alterations in Pregnancy
- 5 Gas Exchange across the Placenta
- Section 3 Pulmonary Conditions Not Specific to Pregnancy
- Section 4 Pulmonary Conditions Related to Pregnancy
- Section 5 Other Pulmonary Issues in Pregnancy
- Index
- References
Summary
The placenta develops alongside the embryo and fetus and is responsible for fetal gas exchange and nutrition. The placenta also has important immune and endocrine functions and thus undertakes to fulfill the roles played by various somatic organs in the post-natal situation (Figure 5.1). The placental membrane, the chorion, prevents the fetal and maternal blood from mixing, while allowing transport of molecules. The human placenta is haemochorial, which means that maternal blood contacts the chorionic placental membrane (fetal epitheliem).
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy , pp. 34 - 56Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020
References
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