Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
The placenta as the third brain
1Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
Abstract:
The placenta has enormous genetic endowments, comparable to those of the brain and ovary. The molecular, cellular and vascular arrangements are designed for directing the traffic of biochemical and nutritional flow preferentially to the fetus. The architect and landscape of this powerful organ, with a predetermined life span of 40 weeks, serves as a modulator between compartments via local, nearby and long-distance communications through its hormonal signals. Thus, the placenta may be viewed as the third brain, which links the developed (maternal) and developing (fetal) brains.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect various areas...
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
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...
Organization of the Brain
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

