Embryology and Placental Development Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to embryology, particularly in the context of placental development and fetal health during pregnancy.

Decidual cells

Cells derived from the trophoblast that support embryo implantation and contribute to the formation of the chorion.

Cytotrophoblast

The layer of the placenta that surrounds the blastocyst, assisting in attaching it to the uterine wall and supplying nutrients.

Stem villi

Projections from the placenta formed during development; critical for nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition where the mother's immune system attacks fetal red blood cells due to Rh factor mismatch.

Placental abruption

A serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, potentially leading to complications.

Ultrasonography

A non-invasive imaging technique using low-frequency sound waves to visualize fetal and placental structures.

Maternal serum screening

A blood test used during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the fetus.

Prenatal cell-free DNA screening

A non-invasive test that analyzes small fragments of DNA from the placenta in the mother's blood for genetic abnormalities.

Fetal microchimerism

The presence of fetal cells in the mother's body, which may have varying implications for health.

Amniocentesis

A procedure in which amniotic fluid is sampled to assess fetal health and genetic conditions.

Chorionic villus sampling

A test where a sample of placental tissue is taken for genetic testing, typically performed earlier than amniocentesis.

Basal layer of skin

The deepest layer of the epidermis, where cells begin to differentiate into the upper layers.

Cardiac looping

A developmental process in embryology where the heart tube folds and loops to establish the correct spatial configuration of the heart chambers.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A congenital heart defect characterized by four heart malformations that lead to insufficient oxygenated blood flow.

Fontan operation

A surgical procedure aimed at redirecting blood flow in patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Foramen ovale

A fetal heart structure that allows blood to bypass the lungs by shunting blood from the right atrium to the left atrium.

Pulse oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation level of a newborn's blood.

Atrioventricular septation

The process involved in separating the chambers of the heart to ensure proper blood flow.

Umbilical vein

The vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.