Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part J (2017)

Abstract
The placenta is the organ that provides fetal respiration and maintains the metabolic and nutrient exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations. Development & Implantation: The human placenta is discoid, because of its shape; haemochorial, because of direct contact of the chorion with maternal blood and deciduas, because some maternal tissue is shed at parturition. Placenta and its membranes: When the embryoblast is partially embedded in the decidus, two distinct layers of cell are seen in the trophoblast. The placenta is attached to the uterine wall and establishes connection between the mother and the fetus through the umbilical cord. Placenta at terms: The placenta at term is circular and flat disc, have approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) in diameter and 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. It presents two surfaces, fetal and maternal, and a peripheral margin.