T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The placenta develops from both fetal (chorion) and maternal (decidua basalis) tissues. This allows the exchange of nutrients and waste between the fetal and maternal circulations.
The placenta is composed of 15 to 20 regions called cotyledons. This specimen is a portion of a cotyledon from late pregnancy.
Villi - projections of the fetal chorion that extend into lacunae in which maternal blood flows. Exchange between the two circulations occurs through the villus wall.
Cytotrophoblasts - cuboidal cells with pale staining cytoplasm and euchromatic nuclei. They are absent by mid to late pregnancy so are not seen in this specimen.