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Placental: meaning, definitions and examples

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placental

 

[pləˈsɛn.təl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

biological term

The term 'placental' refers to anything that is related to or characteristic of the placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy in mammals. This organ facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and the developing fetus. Placental mammals, also known as eutherians, give birth to relatively well-developed young, as they benefit from extended gestation periods. Unlike marsupials, placental mammals have a more complex and efficient method of providing nutrients to their young during gestation.

Synonyms

placenta-derived, uterine.

Examples of usage

  • Placental mammals include humans, dogs, and cats.
  • The placental attachment plays a crucial role in fetal development.
  • Some placental species have adapted uniquely to their environments.
  • Research on placental health is vital for maternal care.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'placenta', which means 'a cake', hinting at the shape of this organ.
  • The usage of 'placental' in biology became widespread in the 19th century as scientists began studying animal reproduction more closely.

Biology

  • Placental mammals are a group that give birth to live young that are nourished before birth through a placenta.
  • Most mammals, including humans, belong to this category, contrasting with marsupials, which give birth to undeveloped young that mature in pouches.

Health

  • The placenta plays a crucial role in pregnancy, allowing nutrients and oxygen to pass from the mother to the baby while removing waste.
  • Complications of the placenta, such as placenta previa or placental abruption, can pose risks to mother and baby, making medical monitoring important.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the health of the placenta is thought to symbolize the well-being of not just the baby but also the mother.
  • Some societies have unique rituals surrounding the disposal or burial of the placenta after birth, seeing it as significant to the child's wellbeing.

Evolutionary Biology

  • The evolution of the placenta has allowed certain species to survive and thrive in diverse environments by giving birth to more developed young.
  • Scientific studies suggest that the evolution of placental structures has roots dating back over 200 million years, influencing mammalian development.

Translations

Translations of the word "placental" in other languages:

🇵🇹 placentário

🇮🇳 प्लेसेंटल

🇩🇪 plazentar

🇮🇩 plasenta

🇺🇦 плацентарний

🇵🇱 łożyskowy

🇯🇵 胎盤の

🇫🇷 placentaire

🇪🇸 placentario

🇹🇷 plasentera

🇰🇷 태반의

🇸🇦 مشيمي

🇨🇿 placentární

🇸🇰 placentárny

🇨🇳 胎盘的

🇸🇮 placentaren

🇮🇸 fæðingarmóður

🇰🇿 плацента

🇬🇪 პლაცენტარული

🇦🇿 plasental

🇲🇽 placentario

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,637, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.