The Histological Findings in Human Placenta at Different Gestational Ages

Abstract

The placental examination provides significant information related to intrauterine and perinatal death, Intrauterine Growth Retardation, malformations, infection and effects of maternal diseases on fetal growth. The Magnitude of clinical problem related to the development the function of placenta is so vast, that it is worth to undertake the histological aspect of human placenta A thorough examination of placenta is neglected and often underestimated by the physician gynecologist, pediatrician and pathologist in spite of its invaluable role in the fetal development. A sound knowledge of normal structure and development is highly essential to appreciate the pathological changes. Here I am presenting histological findings of 50 placenta at different gestational ages. present study was conducted in the Department of anatomy Sri venkateswara medical college, Tirupati in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of maternity hospital Tirupati. small placental bits of fresh tissue of various gestational ages were collected from the Government maternity Hospital Operation Theatres and labour Rooms subjected for processing for histological studies. It is observed that In 33 cases of 6-12 weeks of gestation the histological observations of loose stroma, double layered trophoblast and small centrally placed foetal capillaries were observed. In 12 cases of gestation period between 13-24 week the histological findings are increased number of villi, scanty trophoblastic layer, large and peripherally placed foetal capillaries and less conspicuous Hofbauer cells. In 5 cases between 25 and full term the villi are numerous, with small syncytial knots, ill defined stroma, foetal capillaries are placed more peripherally and less number of Hofbauer cells Keywords Trophoblastic layer, Hofbauer cells , syncytial knots,fetal capillaries I. Introduction All Eutherian mammals' posses the placenta .The Human placenta is described as discoid, deciduate, haemochorial, chorioallantoic, labyrinthine, and villous organ. The basic function of placenta is to provide nutrition for the developing fetus and to remove the fetal waste. To establish intrauterine pregnancy trophoblast must anchor and invade decidualised endometrium and the uterine vasculature must change to allow progressive increase in blood flow.Most commonly implantation takes place into the endometrium of the upper part and the more often on the posterior wall of the surface endometrium. The invading trophoblast burrow deeper into the endometrium and thus leading to the implantation. The role of the trophoblast in nutrition of the conceptus is reflected in its name. Its function as endocrine organ in human pregnancy is essential to maternal physiological adaptation and the maintenance of pregnancy .the aim of present study is to carry out histological observations of placenta at different gestational ages.