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Development of Blood Vessels

The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
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Updated: May 29, 2026

Ex Vivo Placental Explant Flow Culture - Mimicking the Dynamic Conditions In Utero
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Published on: September 8, 2023

The human placenta development and anatomy.

Dorcas Quaye1, Peter Ofori Appiah2, Dorotheah Obiri3

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, P.O. Box KB 4236, Accra, Ghana.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This review details human placental development, focusing on structural changes from early to late pregnancy. Understanding these transformations is key to identifying causes of pregnancy complications.

Keywords:
HistomorphologyImplantationPlacentaSyncytiumVillous structure

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

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Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: July 21, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Human embryology

Background:

  • The human placenta is a vital fetomaternal organ crucial for pregnancy success.
  • Placental development involves complex morphogenesis and differentiation of trophoblast lineages.
  • Existing research often overlooks structural changes in mid- and late gestation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current knowledge on placental morphogenesis and histomorphology throughout gestation.
  • To highlight the importance of later placental developmental stages.
  • To provide an updated understanding of placental architectural evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Integration of classical placental histology.
  • Incorporation of advanced 3D imaging techniques.
  • Inclusion of lineage tracing and vascular modeling data.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of placental structural transitions across pregnancy trimesters.
  • Emphasis on the remodeling of villous stroma, vasculature, and syncytium.
  • Identification of critical architectural specializations supporting placental function.

Conclusions:

  • Placental architectural evolution is essential for sustaining pregnancy.
  • Underexplored later developmental phases are critical for understanding placental function and pregnancy complications.
  • This review offers a comprehensive view of placental development from early to late gestation.