PLACENTA TRIPARTITA Meaning and
Definition
-
Placenta tripartita is a medical term referring to a rare condition of the placenta that is characterized by its division into three distinct lobes or parts. The placenta, a vital organ that develops during pregnancy, is responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. In most cases, the placenta is a single, disc-shaped structure connected to the uterine wall.
In the condition of placenta tripartita, the placenta is divided into three lobes that are distinctly separated by membranes or septa. Each lobe may have its own blood supply, contributing to the overall function of the placenta. This condition is considered rare and is typically diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasounds or during delivery.
Although placenta tripartita does not typically pose significant health risks to the mother or fetus, it may increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy. For example, the presence of multiple lobes may interfere with the normal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall, leading to potential issues such as placenta previa or placental abruption. Additionally, variations in blood supply between the lobes may result in uneven nutrient distribution to the fetus.
Management of placenta tripartita involves close monitoring and regular prenatal care to detect and address any potential complications. In some cases, a cesarean section may be recommended for delivery to minimize the risk of complications associated with a potentially abnormal placental attachment.
-
A p. consisting of three parts, entirely separate or joined together, the fetus being single.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLACENTA TRIPARTITA
Etymology of PLACENTA TRIPARTITA
The term "placenta tripartita" is derived from Latin.
- "Placenta" comes from the Latin word "placenta" which means cake. In ancient Roman times, this word was used to describe flat baked cakes. The term was eventually borrowed in medicine to refer to the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, which is also flat and round like a cake.
- "Tripartita" comes from the Latin word "tripartitus" which means divided into three parts. This is a combination of "tri" meaning three and "partitus" meaning divided.
So, "placenta tripartita" literally translates to "a placenta that is divided into three parts" in Latin.
