Umbilical Cord & Placenta

[blazinfury]

Pardon the foolish question, but I am trying to understand the purpose and function of the placenta and umbilical cord. During birth, the umbilical cord is responsible for providing the baby with nutrients, oxygen, removes waste, etc. During birth, the umbilical cord is clamped which leads to a physiological response that ultimately results in the baby taking its first breath. What I do not understand is what purpose the placenta plays during development and birth of the fetus?

[Arete]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta#Functions

 

I think you may have the functions of the umbilical cord confused with the functions of the placenta.