Placental cotyledon

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Placental Cotyledon

A Placental Cotyledon is a functional unit of the placenta, the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall of the mother. The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and the fetus.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The placental cotyledon is composed of a central stem villus surrounded by a network of capillaries and trophoblast cells. Each cotyledon is separated from the others by septa, which are extensions of the decidua basalis, the maternal part of the placenta.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the placental cotyledon is to facilitate the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. This is achieved through the blood vessels in the stem villus, which are in close contact with the maternal blood in the intervillous space.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in the structure or function of the placental cotyledons can lead to various pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and placental abruption.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD