The human placenta is a fetomaternal organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall via the umbilical cord. It has two surfaces - a smooth, shiny fetal surface covered by amniotic membrane and attached to the umbilical cord, and a rough, reddish maternal surface with elevated cotyledons and grooves. The placenta consists of a chorionic plate lined with amniotic membrane and attached to the umbilical cord, a basal plate on the maternal side, and an intervillous space between them filled with maternal blood and fetal stem villi.