PLACENTAL VILLUS Meaning and
Definition
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A placental villus refers to a specialized structure found within the placenta during pregnancy. It is primarily responsible for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus. These villi, also known as chorionic villi, are finger-like projections that extend from the surface of the chorion, which is the fetal side of the placenta.
The placental villi provide an abundant surface area for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams. Their structure consists of a central core of connective tissue, surrounded by a layer of specialized cells called trophoblasts. The trophoblasts are vital in establishing the initial connection between the fetal and maternal circulatory systems. They facilitate the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies from the mother to the fetus, while simultaneously removing waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea.
The placental villi develop early in pregnancy and continue to grow and branch throughout gestation, maximizing the exchange surface area. Their rich blood supply allows for efficient transportation of vital substances between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems.
Understanding the structure and function of placental villi is crucial for comprehending the complex processes occurring during pregnancy and the development of the fetus. Proper functioning of these villi is essential for ensuring optimal fetal growth and development, making them a critical component of a healthy pregnancy.
Common Misspellings for PLACENTAL VILLUS
- olacental villus
- llacental villus
- -lacental villus
- 0lacental villus
- pkacental villus
- ppacental villus
- poacental villus
- plzcental villus
- plscental villus
- plwcental villus
- plqcental villus
- plaxental villus
- plavental villus
- plafental villus
- pladental villus
- placwntal villus
- placsntal villus
- placdntal villus
- placrntal villus
- plac4ntal villus
Etymology of PLACENTAL VILLUS
The term "placental villus" is derived from two main components: "placenta" and "villus".
1. Placenta: The word "placenta" comes from the Latin word "placenta", which means "a flat cake". This Latin term was originally borrowed from the Greek word "plakóenta", which also means "a flat cake". The term was applied to the organ found in mammals during pregnancy that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall and provides nutrients and oxygen.
2. Villus: The word "villus" comes from the Latin term "villus", which means "shaggy hair" or "tuft of hair". It refers to small, finger-like projections found in the lining of various organs throughout the body, including the intestines, where they increase the surface area for absorption.
