
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Syncytiotrophoblast
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Syncytiotrophoblasts are multinucleated cells found in the placenta of human embryos.
They are the outer syncytial layer of the trophoblasts and actively invade the uterine wall.
They form the outermost fetal component of the placenta (also known as ‘syntrophoblast’) and massively increase the surface area available for nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus.
Cells from the syncytiotrophoblast secrete human chorionic gonadotropin.
Additional images
Additional images
-
Section through embryonic area of Vespertilio murinus to show the formation of the amniotic cavity.
External links
External links
- Histology image: 19908loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University – “Female Reproductive System: placental villi”
- Nature (Journal) Diagram
- Musicki B, Pepe G, Albrecht E (1997). “Functional differentiation of placental syncytiotrophoblasts during baboon pregnancy: developmental expression of chorionic somatomammotropin messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels”. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 82 (12): 4105–10. PMID 9398722. Article
- Diagram at McGill
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
