FETAL MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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Fetal membrane refers to the specialized tissues that surround and protect the developing fetus in the womb of a pregnant mammal. Also known as the embryonic envelope, these membranes play a crucial role in the development and well-being of the unborn offspring.
The fetal membrane consists of two primary layers: the amnion and the chorion. The amnion is the innermost layer that directly envelops the fetus, forming a sac filled with amniotic fluid. This fluid acts as a cushion, protecting the fetus from mechanical shocks, temperature variations, and infections, as well as allowing free movement for the developing baby. Meanwhile, the chorion is the outermost layer of the fetal membrane. It is in direct contact with the mother's uterus and forms the barrier between the fetus and its surrounding environment.
These membranes also provide an essential exchange interface, facilitating the passage of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus. They also produce important hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, which are crucial for maintaining the pregnancy.
During childbirth, the fetal membrane ruptures, commonly known as the water breaking, allowing the amniotic fluid to be expelled and signaling the onset of labor. After childbirth, the fetal membrane is commonly referred to as the placenta, which is expelled during the delivery process.
Overall, the fetal membrane is a vital structure that supports the growth and development of the unborn fetus, providing protection, nourishment, and a means of eliminating waste products.
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One of the membranes forming the sac which encloses and supports the fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FETAL MEMBRANE
- detal membrane
- cetal membrane
- vetal membrane
- getal membrane
- tetal membrane
- retal membrane
- fwtal membrane
- fstal membrane
- fdtal membrane
- frtal membrane
- f4tal membrane
- f3tal membrane
- feral membrane
- fefal membrane
- fegal membrane
- feyal membrane
- fe6al membrane
- fe5al membrane
- fetzl membrane
Etymology of FETAL MEMBRANE
The word "fetal membrane" is composed of two parts: "fetal" and "membrane".
The term "fetal" originates from the Latin word "fetus", meaning "unborn offspring" or "young one". It is derived from the Latin verb "fetare", which refers to "to bring forth". Over time, "fetus" came to specifically represent the unborn human during the later stages of development.
The word "membrane" has its roots in the Latin term "membrana", which translates to "thin skin" or "parchment". It stems from the Latin verb "membrum", meaning "limb" or "member", possibly due to the function of membranes as connecting structures.
Therefore, when combined, "fetal membrane" refers to the thin, protective structures that surround and enclose the developing fetus during gestation.
Similar spelling words for FETAL MEMBRANE
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