Placenta: the tree of life

The placenta is a source of non-embryonic (i.e. not from the embryo or fetus) stem cells that can be used for research and potentially for a variety of therapies. Stem cells can be harvested following birth, thus avoiding some of the ethical/moral concerns. This book is devoted to the therapeutic and research potential uses for stem cells. It also provides a review of the development, structure and function of the placenta and its hybrid (mother plus fetus) or chimaeric nature.