Cytology, Histology and Embryology · MU Plovdiv

50. Extraembryonic fetal membranes – formation and function - yolk sac, allantois.

Inside: 5 sections · 11 labelled pictures · 13 flashcards · 3 min

Topic 50 of 55 in the MU Plovdiv syllabus for Cytology, Histology and Embryology (Dental Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 5 sections, about 339 words (3 min of reading), with 13 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Introduction
  2. Amnion:
  3. Chorion:
  4. Yolk Sac:
  5. Allantois:

Amnion:

  • Structure: The amnion is a thin, transparent membrane that surrounds the fetus.
  • Location: It forms from the epiblast layer of the bilaminar embryonic disc and grows to encase the fetus.
  • Function:
  • Contains amniotic fluid, which cushions and protects the fetus.
  • Maintains a stable temperature and pressure around the fetus.
  • Allows for fetal movement, which is important for musculoskeletal development.
  • Prevents adhesions between the fetus and the membranes.

Chorion:

  • Structure: The chorion is the outermost membrane surrounding the fetus and the amnion. It is formed by the trophoblast layer (specifically the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast) and the extra-embryonic mesoderm.
  • Location: The chorion is located outside the amnion and forms the outermost layer of the fetal membranes.
  • Function:
  • Contributes to the formation of the placenta.
  • In the early stages of pregnancy, the chorionic villi (finger-like projections) invade the maternal endometrium to establish maternal-fetal blood exchange.
  • Produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which helps maintain the pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum and stimulating the production of progesterone.

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