- Syncytiotrophoblast
Infobox Embryology
Name = Syncytiotrophoblast
Latin =
GraySubject = 6
GrayPage = 47
Caption = Primary chorionic villi. Diagrammatic.
Caption2 = Secondary chorionic villi. Diagrammatic.
System =
CarnegieStage = 5a
Days = 8
Precursor =
GivesRiseTo =
MeshName = Syncytiotrophoblasts
MeshNumber = A16.254.085.162
DorlandsPre = s_32
DorlandsSuf = 12777200Syncytiotrophoblasts are
multinucleated cells found in theplacenta of embryos.They are the outer syncytial layer of the
trophoblast s and actively invade the uterine wall.They form the outermost fetal component of the placenta (also known as 'syntrophoblast') and massively increase the surface area available for nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus.
Cells from the
syncytiotrophoblast secreteprogesterone in addition tohuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); the latter prevents degeneration of thecorpus luteum . Progesterone serves to maintain the integrity of the uterine lining, and until the syncytiotrophoblast is mature enough to secrete enough progesterone (in the fourth month of embryonic development), it is aided by the corpus luteum graviditatis. [Langman's Medical Embryology, 10th Edition. T.W. Sadler. p. 34]
=Additionalee also
*
Syncytium
*Cytotrophoblast References
External links
* - "Female Reproductive System: placental villi"
* [http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v4/n11/images/nm1198_1244.gif"Nature (Journal) Diagram"]
* [http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/82/12/4105/ Article]
* [http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/embryology/earlydev/week1/cyto-syncytio.html Diagram at McGill]
*
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