What is placental cotyledon?

Placental cotyledons are disc-shaped structures found in the placenta of mammals such as cows, sheep, and humans. They are formed by the fusion of fetal villi with maternal tissue and are responsible for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and wastes between the mother and the developing fetus.

Each cotyledon contains a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus while carrying away carbon dioxide and waste products. The number of cotyledons present in the placenta varies among species.

In humans, the placenta typically consists of 15-20 cotyledons, while cows can have up to 100 cotyledons. The size and shape of each cotyledon can also vary, with some being more elongated or irregularly shaped than others.

In addition to their role in nutrient exchange, placental cotyledons also secrete hormones that help regulate maternal physiology and fetal development. These hormones include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen.

Overall, the placental cotyledons play a crucial role in the growth and development of the fetus and are an important area of research in the field of reproductive biology.