Placenta in relation to nutrition. Introduction
Munro, H.N.
Federation Proceedings 39(2): 236-238
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 7353679 Document Number: 163492
Physiological studies of the placenta demonstrate the role of maternal nutrition on its growth and function, and its effects on fetal development. Different morphological and physiological characteristics of human placental tissues are compared in women of two socioeconomic populations. Total placental weight in women from a socioeconomically depressed group was 14% less than in the control population, whereas trophoblast mass, the most metabolically active placental component which functions in nutrient and waste product exchange, was 25% less than control. Surface area of villi, the functional unit of absorption, was 25% less and surface area of villus capillaries, was 31% less than control. Effects of malnutrition on placental function have been studied in the rat. Symposium papers are on nutrient transfer, substrate utilization, maternal malnutrition, placental hormone synthesis and their effects on the regulation of fetal growth and development.