An abnormality of the placenta, the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to enable nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange.
Comment:
The placenta is a fetomaternal organ. The fetal portion of the placenta is the villous chorion and the maternal portion is the decidua basalis. The two portions are connected by anchoring villi that are anchored to the decidua basalis by the cytotrophoblastic shell.