Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Placental nutrient supply and fetal growth
Michelle Desforges1, Colin P Sibley
1Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Manchester, St Marys Hospital, Manchester, UK. michelle.desforges@manchester.ac.uk
Abstract:
This review considers mechanisms by which transfer across the placenta takes place and how the capacity of the placenta to supply nutrients relates to fetal growth and vice versa. Blood flow through both uterine and umbilical circulations of the placenta, the structural properties of the placental exchange barrier and its related diffusional permeability, and the expression and activity of a wide range of transporter proteins in the syncytiotrophoblast, the transporting epithelium of the placenta, all need to be taken into account in considering placental supply capacity. We discuss the evidence that each of these factors affects, and is affected by, fetal growth rate and consider the regulatory mechanisms involved, with a particular focus on data that has emerged from study of the system A amino acid transporter. We consider that future work will build on the considerable foundation of knowledge regarding placental transfer mechanisms, as well as the other aspects of placental structure and function, to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction or overgrowth.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Development of Blood Vessels
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Teratogenicity

