[Morphometric studies in placental villi of mature human placentas (author's transl)]

In 56 placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies and normal spontaneous deliveries at term were investigated. Mature placental villi situated in the periphery of placentones (fetomaternal circulation units) were measured. The contents of intervillous fibrinoid was determined as well as the number of syncytial knots. Automatic ("TAS" Leitz, West Germany and Videmat "Zeiss", West Germany) and semiautomatic ("MOP AM 01" Kontron, West Germany) planimeters were used. Some of the results could be compared with earlier results published in the literature so far. The "normal values" revealed in normal term placentas will be compared with placentas of pathologic pregnancies in consecutive studies.