Life''s Vital Link - The Astonishing Role of the Placenta

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 explores the nature of the placenta and what it can tell us about evolution, development, and genetics.

List of contents

• 1: After the Afterbirth


• 2: In the Beginning


• 3: The Principal Players


• 4: Parental Tug-o-War


• 5: Connecting with Mother


• 6: Nature's Transplant


• 7: Products


• 8: Gateway


• 9: Journey's End


• Glossary


• Endnotes


• Index

About the author

Professor Y. W. Loke, Fellow of King's College Cambridge, is a highly respected expert in the placenta and its implantation and development. He has published widely in academic journals.

Summary

How does the foetus - a foreign body - survive inside the mother? The placenta is the extraordinary organ that allows this to happen; but this remarkable feat of evolution is only just being fully appreciated by science. Y.W. Loke explores the fascinating nature of the placenta and what it can tell us about evolution, development, and genetics.

Additional text

With his rich knowledge and experience, what Loke offers is tough-minded and valuable in understanding and unlocking many puzzles.

Report

This exploration of the placentas evolution devotedly details the forgotten organs vital role in the womb, and other complex functions. Mary Craig, Nature

Product details

• Authors: Y W Loke, Y. W. Loke, Y.w. (Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Imm Loke, Y.W. (Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Immunology Loke, Loke Y.W.
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 24.05.2018
• EAN: 9780199694525
• ISBN: 978-0-19-969452-5
• No. of pages: 288
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > General, dictionaries; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > General; Evolution, popular science, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Evolution, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Developmental Biology, MEDICAL / Reproductive Medicine & Technology, Reproductive Medicine, Developmental biology, Evolution / Evolutionary biology