Canadian Medical Guide > Anatomy > Embryonic Structures > Placenta Terms and Definitions

Placenta

Medical Definition:	A highly vascularized mammalian fetal-maternal organ and major site of transport of oxygen, nutrients, and fetal waste products. It includes a fetal portion (CHORIONIC VILLI) derived from TROPHOBLASTS and a maternal portion (DECIDUA) derived from the uterine ENDOMETRIUM. The placenta produces an array of steroid, protein and peptide hormones (PLACENTAL HORMONES).
Guide Notes:	mammals only; check the tags FEMALE & PREGNANCY; /blood supply: consider PLACENTAL CIRCULATION; placental serum or placental blood = PLACENTA + BLOOD

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