Amniotic sac

Amniotic Sac

The amniotic sac, also known as the bag of waters or the membranes, is a thin but tough transparent pair of membranes that hold a developing embryo (and later fetus) until shortly before birth. The inner of these fetal membranes, the amnion, encloses the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The outer membrane, the chorion, contains the amnion and is part of the placenta. On the outer side, the amniotic sac is connected to the yolk sac, the allantois, and, via the umbilical cord, to the placenta.

Structure

The amniotic sac is composed of two membranes, the amnion and the chorion. The amnion, the inner membrane, is in contact with the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The chorion, the outer membrane, is in contact with maternal tissues and contributes to the formation of the placenta.

Function

The primary role of the amniotic sac is to protect the developing fetus by cushioning against physical trauma, providing a stable temperature, and preventing desiccation. It also allows the fetus to move freely within the womb, promoting muscular and skeletal development.

Clinical significance

The amniotic sac is clinically significant in several ways. It is involved in many pregnancy complications, such as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), where the amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks of gestation, and oligohydramnios, a condition characterized by too little amniotic fluid.

See also

• Amniocentesis
• Amniotic fluid
• Amniotic fluid embolism
• Amniotic fluid index
• Amniotic band syndrome