chorionic villus

Thân thiện

A doctor examines a chorionic villus sample under a microscope.

Definition

Noun: - A microscopic, finger-like projection: A chorionic villus is one of the numerous tiny, vascular projections that extend from the chorion (the outermost fetal membrane) of the developing embryo. - A functional unit of the placenta: These villi interlock with the mother's uterine tissue (decidua basalis) to form the placenta, facilitating the critical exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams.

Usage

• Scientific/Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in embryology, obstetrics, and prenatal medicine to describe the anatomical structures essential for pregnancy.
  • The doctor explained that the placenta is formed from both maternal tissue and fetal chorionic villi.
  • A chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a small sample of these villi for genetic analysis.

Advanced Usage

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This is a standard compound term in prenatal diagnostics. It refers to a procedure typically performed between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy to obtain cells from the chorionic villi to test for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders.
  • They opted for chorionic villus sampling to get early information about the baby's genetic health.

Variants and Related Words

• Chorion (noun): The outermost extraembryonic membrane surrounding the embryo of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The chorionic villi grow from this membrane.
• Villus (noun, singular): A general term for a small, slender, vascular projection. The plural is villi. Chorionic villi are a specific type.
• Placenta (noun): The organ that develops during pregnancy, formed by the interlocking of chorionic villi and maternal uterine tissue.

Synonyms

• Placental villus: A less common but accurate synonym, emphasizing its role in the placenta.
• Fetal villus: Highlights its origin from the fetus.

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, highly specific meaning in biological and medical contexts. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. Its primary function is descriptive of a key structure in mammalian reproduction.

Học thuật

Noun

1. one of the tiny villi that stick out of the fetal chorion and combine with the mother's uterine tissue to form the placenta