Editors: T. Yee Khong, Eoghan E. Mooney, Peter G. J. Nikkels, Terry K. Morgan, Sanne J. Gordijn

2019

The placenta is one of the most misunderstood and neglected tissues in anatomical pathology. It is a transient organ lasting only for the duration of a pregnancy and yet is of immense value to clinicians in understanding the success or otherwise of the pregnancy. It is also a unique organ in that it is a composite of two genomic contributions and cells derived from the placenta invade maternal tissue during pregnancy; thus, it is of interest to basic scientists studying immunology and cancer biology.