Which organ is responsible for nutrient, waste, and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus?

The placenta is the organ responsible for the exchange of nutrients, waste, and oxygen between the mother and the fetus. It plays a crucial role in fetal development by acting as a lifeline, supplying essential substances needed for the growth and functioning of the fetus, while also facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from fetal blood.

The placenta forms during pregnancy and attaches to the uterine wall, allowing maternal blood to supply it with oxygen and nutrients while the fetus’s blood vessels run close to the maternal blood supply, giving rise to the critical exchange necessary for development. It also produces hormones that help maintain the pregnancy.

In contrast, the amniotic sac surrounds and protects the fetus but does not facilitate nutrient and waste exchange. The fundus refers to the top part of the uterus and does not play a direct role in nutrient exchange. The endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, helps support implantation but is not the site of maternal-fetal exchange; that function is strictly reserved for the placenta.