CHORION

83.Supriya
2nd BHMS
 Definition & structure
• Chorion is the highly specialized
extraembryonic membrane which eventually
will give rise to the fetal part of the placenta.
• It consist of two embryonic layers:
*The outer trophoblast. i.e, cytotrophoblast
and the syncytiotrophoblast.
_*Extra embryonic mesoderm(A somato
pleuric layer).
• * The trophoblastic cells are the first to differentiate once the mammalian egg has been
fertilized.
*They first form the outer layer of the blastocyst and eventually develop into the most
extraembryonic tissues, including a part of the chorion referred to as chorion trophoblast
cells,also known as extra embryonic ectoderm.
*At the beginning of second week,the trophoblast is getting differentiated into 2 layers.
-Inner cytotrophoblast
-Outer syncytiotrophoblast
•Lacuna space:
In the syncytiotrophoblast,many spaces develop which is known as lacuna spaces which
is gradually filled with maternal blood coming through the spiral arteries (uterine spiral
vessels).(Establishment of uterofetal circulation.)
•Trabeculae
Once the lacuna spaces are formed,the strips of syncytiotrophoblast lying between them
are known as Trabeculae.
The trophoblast not only develop into a large part of placenta but also provides
nourishment to the growing embryo.
• The mesoderm,the inner layer of the chorion is one of the primary germ layers of cells to develop in the embryo and it lies between the
endoderm and the ectoderm.
The mesoderm forming the allantois(one of the other extraembryonic membranes) fuses with the chorion and ends up forming the chorionic
villi.

In the extraembryonic mesoderm,there are many spaces developing known as exocoelomic clefts which are fusing to form extraembryonic
coelom or chorionic cavity.
Functions:
The chorion has two major functions.
• Protecting the embryo
• Nurturing the embryo
-In order to protect the embryo,the chorion produces a fluid known as chorionic fluid.This
fluid lies in the chorionic cavity which is the space between the chorion and the amnion.
The chorionic fluid absorbs shock originating from the forces such as movement and thus
protects the embryo.
-In order to nurture the embryo,the chorion grows chorionic villi,which are extensions of the chorion.
These extentions pass through the uterine decidua (endometrium) and eventually connect with the mother’s blood vessels.
Nutrients, oxygen and antibodies (proteins formed in response to a foreign substance, or antigen), aswell as other materials in the mother’s blood, diffuse into the fetal blood,in
the
capillaries of the villi,and nitrogenous wastes and carbon dioxide diffuse out of these capillaries into the maternal blood circulation.
The purified and enriched blood in the capillaries of the villi is collected into fetal veins,which carry it back to the inner surface of placenta and collect at the attachment of the cord to
form the umbilical vein.It is possible due to the tree-like shape of the chorionic villi which enables the maximum contact between embryo and the mother.
This vein enters the chord alongside the two arteries and carries the blood back to the fetus, thus completing the circuit to and from the placenta.
Chorionic villi:

These are the microscopic ,fingerlike projections that arise from the surface of chorion ,contain
capillaries for blood to flow through it and thus helps in the nourishment of the growing embryo.
Formation:
Three types of villi develop in succession:
•Primary villi:
Cytotrophoblast forms fingerlike projection

These projections invade the trabeculae in its center

Fingerlike projection surrounds by the layer of syncytiotrophoblast

.
Formation of primary villus(13th day)
• Secondary villi:

Invasion of extraembryonic mesoderm into the center of each villus

Each villus with extraembryonic mesoderm in the centre most position followed by trophoblast in the outer.

Formation of secondary villus(16 th day).

• Tertiary villi:

Umbilical cords develop blood vessels

Invasion of these vessels (umbilical vessels)into the mesoderm of secondary chorionic

villi

Secondary villus with blood vessels in its mesoderm, thus forms capillary system.

Formation of tertiary villus(21st day).

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3rd week

2nd week
• Anchoring villi:
*Once the cytotrophoblastic shell is formed,the syncytiotrophoblast is completely cut off from the decidua
basalis.
*The cytotrophoblastic shell fixes (anchors)all villi to the decidua.These villi are now called Anchoring villi.
*These are attached at one end with chorion(fetal side)and with the decidua (maternal side).
*Their branching pattern include,
-Truncus chorii
-Ramus chorii
-Ramuli chorii
*The anchoring villi give off numerous offshoot that grow and move freely into intervillous spaces as
free villi.

*The formation of cytotrophoblastic shell divides the syncytiotrophoblast into outer and inner layers.
The outer layer undergo fibrinoid degeneration to form Nitabuch’s layer.
Formation of chorion frondosum and chorion laeve

*During the placental development,small finger like

projections arise from chorion(trophoblast and underlying
mesoderm) into the decidua.
Initially chorionic villi are formed all around the chorionic
sac.
As the sac enlarges,the chorionic villi in relation to decidua
capsularis get compressed and degenerate by 3rd month.As a
result,this part of the chorion becomes smooth and is now
called chorion laeve(latin:levis-smooth).
*The chorionic villi in relation to decidua basalis grow extensively into the
decidua basalis.This part of the chorion is called chorion frondosum(leafy chorion).

Thus , these well developed villi from chorion frondosum along with the tissues of
decidua basalis forms a disc shaped mass called placenta.

A.Formation of villi all around the chorionic sac. B.Regression of chorionic villi in relation to decidua capsularis.
Reference:

*D.C Dutta’s textbook of obstetrics

*Vishram Singh’s textbook of clinical embryology
*Internet