Villous Sheath

Villous Sheath: Unraveling the Secrets of Chorion

The chorion, also known as the villous membrane, is a unique structure that is one of the first fetal formations in mammals, including humans. The villous membrane plays an important role in the development of the embryo and provides it with essential nutrients and protection during the early stages of pregnancy.

The villous membrane gets its name from the many small villi, called chorionic villi, that cover its inner surface. These villi have a rich network of blood vessels that provide communication with the mother's uterus and allow the exchange of substances between mother and embryo.

The functions of the villous membrane include feeding the embryo and removing waste. The chorionic villi absorb nutrients from the mother's blood, such as oxygen, glucose, amino acids and other important molecules, and transfer them to the embryo through the umbilical vein. The villous membrane is also responsible for removing waste and carbon dioxide from the embryo to the mother through the umbilical arteries.

In addition, the villous membrane plays an important role in the formation of the placenta, the organ that provides communication between the mother and the embryo throughout pregnancy. The placenta develops from the villous membrane and maternal tissues, and it provides not only nutrition, but also protection to the embryo, as well as the production of hormones necessary to maintain pregnancy.

It is interesting to note that the villous membrane in humans is temporary. At the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, it turns into the placenta, and the chorionic villi disappear. However, despite only existing in the early stages of development, the villous membrane plays a key role in providing the embryo with the necessary resources required for its healthy growth and development.

In conclusion, the villous membrane, or chorion, is an important structure responsible for nourishing and protecting the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy. Its chorionic villi ensure metabolism between the mother and the embryo, and also contribute to the formation of the placenta. Although the villous membrane only exists for a limited period of time, its role in maintaining the health and development of the embryo cannot be underestimated. Studying the chorion and its interaction with the maternal body helps us more fully understand the processes occurring during pregnancy and the formation of a new life.