Gas and nutrient exchange in the placenta?

Gas and nutrient exchange in the placenta occurs through a process known as diffusion. Oxygen from maternal blood passes into the fetal blood, while carbon dioxide and metabolic waste move from the fetus back to the mother for elimination. Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are transferred from the maternal circulation to the fetus, supporting its growth and development. This exchange is facilitated by the large surface area of the placental villi, which are in close contact with maternal blood.