Placenta is the intimate connection between the developing foetus and uterine wall of the mother to exchange the materials. Functions. Placenta facilitates the supply of O, and nutrients from maternal blood to the embryo. The foetal waste products diffuse into the maternal blood through placenta and are excreted by the mother. Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like HCG, hpl, estrogen and progesterone.