This study compares the pathophysiology of normal and growth retarded human placental tissues. Female patients were recruited from the Antenatal Clinic of Dolu Specialist Hospital, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, between 2008 and 2012. A total of 48 normal term placentas and 15 placentas of known IUGR cases were used for this study. IUGR cases were confirmed on the basis of ultrasound follow-up and diagnosis. Normal term placentas were collected at the point of delivery by a consultant gynaecologist, the cords were clamped, and membranes were then carefully trimmed after which each placenta was weighed. About 1？cm thickness of both normal and growth retarded placenta tissues was cut, processed for hematoxylin and eosin stain, while tissues for enzyme (ALP) assay were homogenized in cold 0.5？M sucrose solution. Comparative analysis of the data was done using ANOVA; was taken as significant. The photomicrographs were observed/studied under light microscope, using the X150 and X600 magnifications. It was revealed therein that placental tissues are homogenous (regionally), compromised of maternal spiral arterioles and deregulated villous vasculogenesis, and that there is a significant difference in the level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme. We therefore concluded that there is a distinct difference between the normal and growth retarded human placenta tissue. 1. Introduction Human placenta, materno-fetal organ, binds two genetically distinct individuals, the mother and the fetus, and serves as an intermediary between maternal and fetal circulations. It is not merely a passive barrier between the maternal and fetal circulations but has many physiological functions, including the exchange of respiratory gasses, metabolites, nutrients, and waste products as well as the production of hormones and the metabolism of xenobiotics [1]. The usual human term placenta is about 22？cm in diameter and 2.0 to 2.5？cm thick. It generally weighs about 475？g. However, measurements can vary considerably [2]. Placentas with less than 2.5？cm thickness are associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) of the fetus [3]. Placentas more than 4 cm thick have an association with maternal diabetes mellitus, fetal hydrops (of both immune and nonimmune etiology), and intrauterine fetal infections [4]. A well-developed placenta consists of a chorionic plate, which is of embryonic descent and of a basal plate whose essential layer is the decidua, a derivative of the endometrium. Between these two plates, there is a voluminous intervillous space [1]. The examination of normal placentas and
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