Summary
In order to explore the functional role of microvilli of the syncytiotrophoblast of the human full-term placenta, 16 placentas were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results showed that the microvilli projecting from the apical portion of the syncytiotrophoblast appeared to be highly pleomorphic and showed regional variations in their distribution. This has been correlated to the difference in the stage of growth of microvilli following certain obvious examples of loss. Such a process of distortion and renewal or regeneration may suggest a dynamic functional activity of the microvilli on the villous surface.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Al-Zuhair AGH, Ibrahim MEA, Mughal S (1984) Calcium deposition on the maternal surface of the human placenta: A scanning electron microscopic study. Arch Gynecol 234:167–172
Ibrahim MEA, Al-Zuhair AGH, Mughal S (1982) Surface ultrastructure of the human placental villi and sites of contact with maternal red blood cells. Arch Gynecol 233:67–72
Rhodin JAG (1974) Cells and organelles. In: Rhodin JAG (ed) Histology, a text and atlas. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 8–63
Salazar H, Gonzalez-Angulo A (1967) The fine structure of human chorionic villi and placental transfer of iron in late pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 87:851–865
Snell RS (1984) Epithelial tissue. In: Snell RS (ed) Clinical and functional histology for medical students. Little, Brown, Boston, pp 85–105
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Al-Zuhair, A.G.H., Ibrahim, M.E.A., Mughal, S. et al. Loss and regeneration of the microvilli of human placental syncytiotrophoblast. Arch Gynecol 240, 147–151 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207709
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207709