The placenta is the organ that is connected to a developing fetus by the umbilical cord. It connects the fetus to the mother's uterine wall. The placenta provides the fetus with nutrients and oxygen, eliminate waste, and helps to prevent infection. The placenta also produces hormones to support the pregnancy.
The placenta is a fetomaternal organ. It develops in two parts. One part comes from the uterine tissue of the mother, The second part comes from the fetus.