1. The document discusses the structure and classification of placentas. It describes the different types of placentas found across mammals based on their gross shape, layers between maternal and fetal blood, and histological structure.
2. The major placenta types discussed are epithelio-chorial (found in marsupials and some ungulates), syndesmo-chorial (ruminant ungulates), endothelio-chorial (carnivores), haemochorial (primates and bats), and haemo-endothelial (rodents). Each type involves a different number of layers separating maternal and fetal blood and tissues.
3. Placentas are also classified