Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study
English
Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
AnatomyPelvis and perineumFemale pelvis and reproductive organs
Table of contents

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Fetus in utero

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Understand the anatomy of the uterus, placenta and placental tissues during the fetal period.
  2. Identify the main structural and vascular features of the placenta.
  3. Appreciate the relations between the fetal layers, reproductive organs and other structures of the female pelvis.

Browse atlas

The fetus is a term that describes an unborn baby from the 8th week after fertilization until birth. In the uterus (i.e. in utero) the fetus is surrounded by an amniotic sac, a membranous sac which provides protection to the fetus.

The placenta is a temporary organ for gas, nutrient and substance exchange between mother and fetus. This exchange is mediated by the umbilical cord, a structure developed from the fetal tissue. It contains one vein and two arteries, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and waste products away from it.

With our atlas you can explore all structures surrounding the fetus in utero, as well as the structural and vascular components of the placenta.

Fetus in utero
Fetus
1/22
Synonyms: none
Placenta

Take a quiz

Test your knowledge about the fetus, placenta and female reproductive organs by taking our quiz: 

If you feel like a pro, try out our custom quiz to get a broader quiz on the female pelvis and the reproductive system. 

Female pelvis and reproductive organs For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Summary

Key facts about the placenta
Definition Placenta is a highly specialized, temporary organ that develops as a conduit between maternal and fetal tissues. 
Portions  Fetal portion: chorion frondosum
Maternal portion: basal decidua
Functions Exchange of metabolic and gaseous products between maternal and fetal bloodstreams, production of hormones.

Related articles 

Anatomical changes during pregnancy Read article
Embryology: 1st week of development Read article

Well done!

Continue your learning

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Want access to our Study Units?

Create your free account ➞

Trusted by over 4 million students!