is a placenta an organ?!
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Based on the definitions for a placenta, "A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus, to which it is attached by the umbilical cord. Following birth, the placenta is expelled.
An organ with similar functions in some nonmammalian animals, such as certain sharks and reptiles." So, while a placenta can only be found in pregnant females, it IS considered an organ.
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No, not really, as far as it being something that is always a part of a person. Yes, if you consider an organ to be "A differentiated part of an organism, such as an eye, wing, or leaf, that performs a specific function".
The placenta is a support structure for the developing fetus. The placenta is what provides the interface between the mother's bloodstream and the baby. Nourishment goes from the mother to the fetus.
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