REMARKABLE PLACENTA

This paper reviews the principle features of human placenta structure and development, and it highlights areas of needed future research. Th r complexity of placental histology is discussed and comparison of the human placenta with other mammalian taxa is made. A more widespread a ppreciation of the value of studying this challenging organ and a more profound understanding of the regulation of the placental transport f unctions is advocated. Simple, routine examination of the placenta sho uld be resurrected. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.