Chorionic vessels: Difference between revisions

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'''Chorionic vessels''' are an essential part of the [[placenta]] and the [[umbilical cord]], playing a crucial role in the exchange of nutrients and waste between the [[mother]] and the [[fetus]] during [[pregnancy]]. They are composed of two [[umbilical arteries]] and one [[umbilical vein]], which are surrounded by a gelatinous substance known as [[Wharton's jelly]].
== Chorionic Vessels ==


==Structure==
[[File:Chorionic_artery.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a chorionic artery]]
The '''chorionic vessels''' originate from the [[chorion]], one of the membranes that surround the [[embryo]] in mammals. The chorion and the [[amnion]] together form the [[amniotic sac]]. The chorionic vessels consist of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, while the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.


==Function==
The '''chorionic vessels''' are a crucial component of the [[placenta]], playing a vital role in the exchange of nutrients and gases between the [[mother]] and the [[fetus]]. These vessels are part of the fetal circulation and are embedded within the [[chorion]], which is one of the membranes that surround the developing embryo.
The primary function of the '''chorionic vessels''' is to facilitate the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. The umbilical arteries transport deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta. Here, waste products are transferred to the mother's bloodstream for elimination, and oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood are transferred to the umbilical vein, which carries them to the fetus.


==Clinical significance==
=== Structure ===
Abnormalities in the '''chorionic vessels''' can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, a single umbilical artery (instead of the usual two) can be associated with congenital anomalies. Additionally, vasa previa is a condition where the fetal vessels cross the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby, which can cause the vessels to rupture during delivery.
 
The chorionic vessels consist of both [[arteries]] and [[veins]]. The primary vessels include the [[chorionic arteries]] and [[chorionic veins]], which branch extensively to form a network that facilitates efficient exchange.
 
* '''Chorionic Arteries''': These arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. They branch from the [[umbilical arteries]] and spread across the chorionic plate.
 
* '''Chorionic Veins''': These veins return oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. They converge to form the [[umbilical vein]], which carries the blood back to the fetal heart.
 
=== Function ===
 
The primary function of the chorionic vessels is to support the [[fetal circulation]] by ensuring the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the maternal blood supply to the fetal blood supply. This exchange occurs in the [[intervillous space]] of the placenta, where maternal blood bathes the chorionic villi.
 
=== Development ===
 
The development of chorionic vessels begins early in [[embryogenesis]]. As the [[trophoblast]] differentiates into the [[cytotrophoblast]] and [[syncytiotrophoblast]], the formation of the chorionic villi occurs, and the fetal blood vessels begin to develop within these structures.
 
=== Clinical Significance ===
 
Abnormalities in the development or function of the chorionic vessels can lead to complications such as [[intrauterine growth restriction]] (IUGR) or [[preeclampsia]]. Proper functioning of these vessels is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and ensuring adequate fetal growth and development.
 
== Related Pages ==


==See also==
* [[Placenta]]
* [[Placenta]]
* [[Fetal circulation]]
* [[Umbilical cord]]
* [[Umbilical cord]]
* [[Umbilical artery]]
* [[Umbilical vein]]
* [[Chorion]]
* [[Chorion]]
* [[Amnion]]
* [[Embryogenesis]]
* [[Amniotic sac]]
* [[Wharton's jelly]]
 
==References==
<references />


[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Embryology]]
[[Category:Embryology]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Pregnancy]]
{{anatomy-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:10, 15 February 2025

Chorionic Vessels[edit]

File:Chorionic artery.png
Diagram of a chorionic artery

The chorionic vessels are a crucial component of the placenta, playing a vital role in the exchange of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. These vessels are part of the fetal circulation and are embedded within the chorion, which is one of the membranes that surround the developing embryo.

Structure[edit]

The chorionic vessels consist of both arteries and veins. The primary vessels include the chorionic arteries and chorionic veins, which branch extensively to form a network that facilitates efficient exchange.

  • Chorionic Arteries: These arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. They branch from the umbilical arteries and spread across the chorionic plate.
  • Chorionic Veins: These veins return oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. They converge to form the umbilical vein, which carries the blood back to the fetal heart.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the chorionic vessels is to support the fetal circulation by ensuring the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the maternal blood supply to the fetal blood supply. This exchange occurs in the intervillous space of the placenta, where maternal blood bathes the chorionic villi.

Development[edit]

The development of chorionic vessels begins early in embryogenesis. As the trophoblast differentiates into the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, the formation of the chorionic villi occurs, and the fetal blood vessels begin to develop within these structures.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Abnormalities in the development or function of the chorionic vessels can lead to complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preeclampsia. Proper functioning of these vessels is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and ensuring adequate fetal growth and development.

Related Pages[edit]