Cytotrophoblastic shell

Intercommunication of maternal and fetal cells and vessels in the placenta.

The cytotrophoblastic shell is the external layer of cytotrophoblasts from the fetus that is found on the maternal surface of the placenta. The cytotrophoblastic shell firmly secures the placenta to the mother's endometrium called the decidua basalis.[1][2] Gaps in the cytotrophoblastic shell allow endometrial arteries and veins to reach the intervillous space.[2]

  1. ^ M. W. Rana (28 July 1998). Human embryology made easy. CRC Press. p. 47. ISBN 978-90-5702-545-7. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  2. ^ a b Keith L. Moore; T. V. N. Persaud; Mark G. Torchia (2008). The developing human: clinically oriented embryology. Saunders/Elsevier. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-4160-3706-4. Retrieved 25 February 2012.