This is an expelled or delivered placenta shortly after birth. It is a vascular organ that is present only during gestation and act as a physical barrier while providing oxygen and nutrients to growing fetuses. It connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall through the umbilical cord to allow nutrient uptake, thermo-regulation, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply, to fight against internal infection, and to produce hormones which support pregnancy. The cord is composed of 1 umbilical vein and 2 umbilical arteries. The vein carries oxygen rich blood from the maternal circulation into the fetal circulation while the arteries carry oxygen deficient blood out of the fetus and into the placenta. This process is repeated until delivery takes place. Photo by @dyland2300