Placental cotyledon
Placental Cotyledon
Placental cotyledon (pronunciation: pla-sen-tal ko-ti-le-don) is a term used in obstetrics and gynecology to describe the functional units of the placenta, the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall of the mother.
Etymology
The term "cotyledon" is derived from the Greek word "kotyledon" or "kotyle," meaning a cup or hollow. In the context of the placenta, it refers to the cup-shaped structures that make up the functional units of the organ.
Description
The placental cotyledons are the areas where the umbilical cord vessels branch out over the placental surface, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. Each cotyledon consists of a main stem of the chorionic vessel and its branches, surrounded by chorionic villi.
Related Terms
- Chorionic villi: Tiny, finger-like projections on the placenta that increase its surface area and enhance the exchange of substances between the mother and the fetus.
- Umbilical cord: The cord-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, carrying blood, nutrients, and oxygen from the mother to the fetus and removing waste products.
- Obstetrics: The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
- Gynecology: The branch of medicine that deals with the health of the female reproductive system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Placental cotyledon
- Wikipedia's article - Placental cotyledon
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