Trophoblast (Noun)
Meaning
The membrane that forms the wall of the blastocyst in early development; aids implantation in the uterine wall; "after implantation of the blastocyst in the uterine wall the trophoblast divides into two layers, the chorion and the placenta".
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The trophoblast plays a crucial role in the implantation of the blastocyst into the uterine wall during early pregnancy.
- Trophoblast cells produce human chorionic gonadotropin, which helps maintain the corpus luteum and supports embryonic development.
- After implantation, the trophoblast differentiates into the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, which have distinct functions in placental development.
- Abnormalities in trophoblast invasion can lead to complications in pregnancy, including preeclampsia and placenta accreta.
- The trophoblast layer is essential for the exchange of nutrients and gases between the embryo and the mother's bloodstream.