Term placenta of the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).

Introduction: The pinnipeds' placenta has been described as zonary, annular, labyrinthic and endotheliochorial, like that of the terrestrial carnivores. This article describes the placenta of Mirounga leonina, a phocid pinniped, focusing on some morphological features related to fetal nutrition.

Methods: Placental samples from three elephant seals were collected and conditioned after natural delivery at the Antarctic Specially Protected Area 132.