An incredibly complex and important organ in its own right, the placenta is only found in mammals. And how it functions has the potential to have profound effects on the lifelong health of the developing foetus. The placenta exists solely during pregnancy, and plays a crucial role in nurturing and protecting the foetus throughout gestation. It's connected to the foetus via the umbilical cord and attached to the wall of the womb, allowing for essential exchanges of nutrients, gases and waste with the mother's circulation.

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