Which organ connects the embryo to the uterine wall and provides nutrients during development?

The organ that connects the embryo to the uterine wall and provides essential nutrients during development is the placenta. This unique structure is crucial for prenatal development as it facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus.

The placenta forms from both embryonic and maternal tissues and serves multiple functions, including hormone production to support pregnancy, providing immunity, and regulating the supply of substances in both directions. Its vascular nature allows for efficient material exchange through diffusion, ensuring the embryo receives the necessary support for growth and development. This connection is vital, especially as the embryo grows into a fetus, where nutrient demands increase significantly.

In contrast, the thymus is primarily involved in the immune system, particularly in the maturation of T cells, which is unrelated to embryonic development. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and hormones but do not play a direct role in connecting the embryo to the uterine wall. The uterus is the organ where the embryo implants and grows, but it does not provide nutrients directly; rather, the placenta takes on this critical role.