author(s)
C Lavanya, S Jayachitra and K Balasundaram

abstract
The placenta was a complex structure formed by apposition of extra embryonic membrane and maternal tissue which was involved in the exchange of nutrients and gases to the embryo. The placenta of catwas zonary and endotheliochorial type and it consisted of three layers histologically. The lamellar zone contained numerous lamellae which was composed of cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, foetal capillaries, maternal capillaries and giant cells. Junctional zone was the transitional region between lamellar and glandular zone. The glandular zone consisted of remnants of uterine endometrial glands which were invaded by trophoblast cells. The present study was carried out to explain the histological features of cat placenta.