Brittney Price explains in this article how Italian anatomist Matteo Realdo Colombo used the term for the expelled "bed" of the fetus because of its resemblance to the popular cake, which was likely related to modern baklava and/or lasagna. Learning can be delicious (or not)!
How a 16th century Italian anatomist came up with the word ‘placenta’: it reminded him of a cakeIn my research, I try to uncover the cultural significance of the placenta and afterbirth in premodern Europe to help us better understand the social and medical history of this important organ.theconversation.com