What is the Difference Between Placenta and Umbilical Cord?

The placenta and umbilical cord are two important organs that play crucial roles during fetal development. They work together to nourish and protect the baby while it is in the womb. Here are the key differences between the placenta and the umbilical cord:

Placenta:

• It is a porous, tubular structure that connects the fetus and the mother.
• It provides food, nourishment, protection, and excretion, as well as gas exchange and other hormonal actions.
• The placenta produces a vital pregnancy hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).

Umbilical Cord:

• It is a tubular cord that attaches the fetus to the placenta.
• The umbilical cord has two umbilical arteries and one vein, and it is a significant source of stem cells.
• It aids in the transportation of blood between the fetus and the placenta, as well as the transportation of waste materials.

In summary, the placenta is a porous, tubular structure that connects the fetus to the mother and provides nourishment, protection, and various hormonal actions. On the other hand, the umbilical cord is a tubular cord that attaches the fetus to the placenta and aids in the transportation of blood and waste materials between the fetus and the placenta.

Comparative Table: Placenta vs Umbilical Cord

Here is a table highlighting the differences between the placenta and the umbilical cord:

Both the placenta and the umbilical cord are essential for nourishing and protecting the baby during pregnancy. The placenta is a porous tubular structure that connects the fetus and the mother, providing nourishment, protection, excretion, gas exchange, and hormonal actions. The umbilical cord, on the other hand, is a tubular cord that attaches the fetus to the placenta and transports blood and nutrients between the fetus and placenta.