The human placenta is a vital organ that develops during pregnancy, connecting the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It facilitates the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the fetus, ensuring proper growth and development. The placenta also produces hormones that help maintain pregnancy and prepare the mother's body for childbirth. The placenta is typically expelled from the body after delivery, a process known as the afterbirth. It is composed of both maternal and fetal tissues and plays a crucial role in protecting the fetus from infections and regulating its environment.