The placenta appears as a dark red disc of bumpy, blood vessel-rich tissue at term.
Placental Appearance in Detail
The placenta is vital for nourishing a developing fetus. Here's a detailed look at its key characteristics:
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Shape and Texture: The placenta is disc-shaped and features a bumpy texture due to the extensive network of blood vessels.
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Color: At full term, the placenta has a dark red color. This color is attributed to its high concentration of blood vessels. The mature placental tissue is mostly made of blood vessels.
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Vascular Network: Blood vessels are the main component. These vessels connect to the baby through the umbilical cord and branch throughout the placenta like a tree's limbs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Disc-shaped |
| Texture | Bumpy |
| Color | Dark red at term |
| Composition | Primarily blood vessels |
| Connection | Connects to the baby via the umbilical cord, branching throughout the placenta |
