Exchange of cells between mother and fetus

Question

Explain whether there is a exchange of the cells between mother and fetus through the placenta?

Answer 1

Under the normal conditions, there exists no passage of the cells across placenta during the period of gestation. The placenta consists of the smooth mucosa which is separating the richly vascularized region in contact along with the mother’s endometrium against the umbilical cord which is in contact with fetal blood. This barrier is called as the placental barrier. Though permeable to some substances (selective permeability) the placental barrier forbids passage of the cells.