Description
Oxford UP Life'S Vital Link The Astonishing Role Of The Placenta by Y W Loke
The development of the placenta was a pivotal event in evolution. Without it, we would still be laying eggs instead of giving birth to live offspring. It represents the critical link between the foetus and the mother, but its character is extraordinary - it is, in effect, a foreign tissue that invades the mother's body. Compared to many other animals, the human placenta represents a particularly aggressive body. But how is it managed and controlled? How did such an organ evolve in the first place? And why is it tolerated by the mother? Y.W. Loke, a highly respected expert in the placenta and its development, explores the nature of the placenta and what it can tell us about evolution, development, and genetics.
Key Features:-
- Tells the fascinating story of a vital, yet little understood, organ
- Considers how and why such an organ evolved
- Explores the nature of the placenta, and the important role it plays for both the mother and foetus
- Highlights remarkable aspects of evolution, development, and genetics
- Addresses what can go wrong when the placenta does not develop properly