Chorionic villus is a term commonly used in obstetrics, referring to small finger-like projections that protrude from the placenta. The word can be broken down into two parts: "chorionic" refers to the chorion, the outermost membrane surrounding the fetus, and "villus" refers to small, hair-like projections that increase surface area. The correct pronunciation of "chorionic villus" is /kɔrɪɑnɪk ˈvɪləs/. The "ch" in "chorionic" is pronounced as /k/, while the "v" in "villus" is pronounced as /v/.
Chorionic villus refers to finger-like projections that develop on the outer surface of the chorion, a membrane that surrounds and supports the developing fetus during pregnancy. These villi are found within the placenta, the organ that provides nourishment and oxygen to the fetus and removes waste products. Chorionic villi are formed from trophoblast cells, which are specialized cells that play a crucial role in the implantation of the fertilized egg and the formation of the placenta.
The chorionic villi contain a network of blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste materials between the mother and the fetus. This exchange of substances occurs through the process of diffusion, allowing the fetus to receive essential nutrients and oxygen needed for growth and development, while simultaneously allowing waste products to be eliminated.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a medical procedure that involves the removal and analysis of a small sample of chorionic villi. This procedure is typically performed during the first trimester of pregnancy and is used to detect genetic abnormalities or chromosomal disorders in the developing fetus. The sample obtained from the chorionic villi can be studied for any genetic abnormalities, providing information about the health and development of the fetus. Chorionic villus sampling carries a small risk of complications and is often used as an alternative to amniocentesis, another prenatal diagnostic test that involves the extraction of amniotic fluid.
The word "chorionic" is derived from the Greek word "khōrion" meaning "membrane", which refers to the chorion, a thin membrane that encloses the developing fetus. The term "villus" comes from the Latin word "villus", which means "shaggy hair" or "tuft of hair". In the context of the chorionic villus, it refers to the microscopic finger-like projections found on the surface of the chorion. Therefore, the term "chorionic villus" relates to the finger-like structures on the membrane that surrounds the developing fetus.