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[Maternal blood flow in the human placenta (author's transl)]
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und Perinatologie
|April 1, 1982
Summary
The human placenta is divisible into maternal blood flow units, with each fetal cotyledon supplied by a spiral artery. This study identifies distinct arterial, capillary, and venous pathways within these placental flow units.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Human Anatomy
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- The microcirculation of the human placenta, specifically the intervillous space, remains incompletely understood.
- Existing models of maternal blood flow through the placenta lack definitive morphological evidence.
Purpose:
- To investigate the morphological feasibility of dividing the human placenta into functional maternal blood flow units, termed 'placentons'.
- To elucidate the pathways of maternal blood flow within the intervillous space and compare findings with existing theoretical models.
Summary:
- This study utilized spiral arterial injections with Microfil and Micropaque contrast in 22 term human placentas to visualize maternal blood flow pathways.
- Radiographic and histological analyses confirmed that the human placenta can be divided into flow units, with each fetal cotyledon receiving blood from a single maternal spiral artery.
- Distinct arterial, capillary, and venous flow areas were identified within these units, validating the concept of placentons and clarifying intervillous space circulation.
Impact:
- Provides definitive morphological evidence supporting the division of the human placenta into distinct maternal blood flow units (placentons).
- Clarifies the complex pathways of maternal blood circulation within the intervillous space, enhancing our understanding of placental physiology.
- Offers a foundation for re-evaluating placental function and potential pathologies related to abnormal intervillous blood flow.