Placenta (noun)

1. A flat, circular organ that connects the developing fetus to the mother's blood supply through the umbilical cord in mammals, including humans, and plays a crucial role in the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
2. A similar organ found in some other animals, such as reptiles and birds, that plays a similar role in nourishing the developing young.

Origin:

The word placenta comes from the latin word placenta, which means "cake" or "flat cake" - the latin word placenta refers to the shape and the function of the organ.

Examples:

1. The placenta is an essential organ that ensures the proper growth and development of the fetus.
2. The baby was born with the placenta attached, so the obstetrician had to remove it manually.
3. The placenta is expelled after the baby is born, and it is commonly referred as the afterbirth.
4. Scientists are still studying the placenta to understand its complexity.
5. Some cultures have traditional uses for the placenta, such as burying it under a tree as a symbol of fertility.