syncytiotrophoblast
Fetal-maternal interface layer
The syncytiotrophoblast is the outer layer of cells forming the surface of the placenta, in direct contact with maternal blood.
Unlike most tissues, it has no cell boundaries—nuclei share a continuous cytoplasm.
This multinucleated layer handles nutrient exchange and hormone production, including the hormones detected by pregnancy tests.
formation
Embedding into tissue
- stem cellUnspecialized, self-renewing biological unit
- progenitorAncestor or originator
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
transport
Transfer of respiratory molecules
- waste removalEliminating unwanted materials
- transplacentalCrossing the placental barrier
- lacunaeAbsent portions, plural
hormones
Ovarian steroid supporting gestation
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- hormone receptorProtein binding chemical messengers
immunity
Reduced bodily defense activation
- regulatory T cellsLymphocytes that dampen immune responses
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
decidua
Modified uterine lining for implantation
- umbilical cordFetal-placental connection
implantation
Embedding into tissue
- stem cellUnspecialized, self-renewing biological unit
- progenitorAncestor or originator
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
gas exchange
Transfer of respiratory molecules
- waste removalEliminating unwanted materials
- transplacentalCrossing the placental barrier
- lacunaeAbsent portions, plural
progesterone
Ovarian steroid supporting gestation
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- hormone receptorProtein binding chemical messengers
immunosuppression
Reduced bodily defense activation
- regulatory T cellsLymphocytes that dampen immune responses
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
microvilli
Microscopic membrane protrusions
- outer layerOutermost covering surface
- embryonic structuresembryo, fetus, zygote, morula, gastrula
- placentaplacenta, umbilical cord, amnion, chorion, yolk sac
- Pregnancy Immunitytrophoblast, decidua, placenta, implantation, regulatory T cells
- reproductive tissueovary, testis, uterus, endometrium, placenta
- Syncytia
- germ cellsegg cell, gamete, germ cell, ova, ovum