Abstract
Introduction: The placenta is a large organ that acts as an interface between the pregnant mother and the foetus, facilitating the maternal and foetal circulation. Morphology and morphometric analysis form the base for ultrasonography examination of the placenta.
Aim: To study the morphology and the morphometry of the placenta.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Kanyakumari Government Medical College, Asaripallam, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India, between November 2024 and December 2025. A total of 50 freshly delivered placenta specimens fixed with formalin were collected. Gross examination included assessment of shape and measurement of diameter and thickness, along with evaluation of membrane attachment, umbilical cord insertion and vascular pattern, type of attachment of membranes, type of attachment of umbilical cord, pattern of blood vessels on the foetal surface and the intactness of both the foetal and maternal surfaces. Descriptive statistics were primarily employed. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were summarised using mean, Standard Deviation (SD), and range (minimum-maximum values).
Results: Of the placentae studied, 19 (38%) were discoid, 8 (16%) were oval, 8 (16%) were triangular, 14 (28%) were irregular, and 1 (2%) had a succenturiate lobe; placental diameter ranged from 10-26 cm and a mean diameter of 16.27±2.12 cm, while thickness ranged from 2-4 cm with a mean of 2.68±0.68 cm; 43 (86%) placentae showed marginal membrane attachment, 5 (10%) circummarginate, and 2 (4%) circumvallate; 23 (46%) placentae had paracentral cord insertion, 13 (26%) central, 8 (16%) eccentric, 5 (10%) marginal, and 1 (2%) velamentous, and 37 (74%) placentae exhibited a dispersed vascular pattern, 7 (14%) furcate, 4 (8%) magistral, and 2 (4%) mixed.
Conclusion: The gross examination of the placenta reflects the intrauterine pathological conditions associated with stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertension