INTERVILLOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Intervillous is an adjective that pertains to the space or area situated between the chorionic villi in the placenta. The placenta is an essential organ during pregnancy that forms in the uterus and connects to the fetus via the umbilical cord. It serves as a conduit for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the developing baby.
Within the placenta, there are numerous finger-like projections called chorionic villi, which contain blood vessels that enable the transfer of substances between the mother's blood supply and the fetus. The intervillous space, therefore, refers to the cavity or gap that exists between these villi. It is filled with maternal blood, which is rich in oxygen and nutrients necessary for the nourishment of the growing fetus.
The intervillous space is an integral component of the placenta's structure and function. It provides a large surface area for efficient exchange of gases and nutrients, as well as the removal of waste products. The exchange occurs through microscopic blood vessels in the villi, allowing for the diffusion and transport of substances between the mother and fetus.
Understanding the intervillous space and its role in placental function is crucial for comprehending fetal development and maternal health during pregnancy. It is a dynamic and complex environment that influences the overall well-being of both the mother and the baby.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERVILLOUS
- intervillou3
- intervillouc
- intervillouq
- intervillour
- intervillowus
- i ntervillous
- in tervillous
- int ervillous
- inte rvillous
- inter villous
- interv illous
- intervi llous
- intervil lous
- intervill ous
- intervillo us
- intervillou s
Etymology of INTERVILLOUS
The word "intervillous" is a combination of two parts: "inter" and "villous".
1. "Inter-" is a Latin prefix, meaning "between" or "among". It is derived from the Latin preposition "intra", which means "inside" or "within".
2. "Villous" is an adjective derived from the noun "villus", which refers to a small, finger-like projection or fold. In anatomy, a villus is a tiny, vascular structure found in certain organs, particularly in the small intestine, where it aids in the absorption of nutrients.
Therefore, "intervillous" literally means "between or among the villi". It is often used to describe the space or region between the villi in the placenta, where maternal blood circulates while exchanging nutrients and waste products with fetal blood.
Similar spelling words for INTERVILLOUS
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