The chorion is a membrane that surrounds the fetus and creates the placenta. It has an outer layer consisting of the ectoderm and trophoblast, and an inner layer made up of the somatic mesoderm. The chorionic villi increase the surface area for nutrient transfer. The amnion provides protection and transfers nutrients to the fetus. The chorionic villi provide a vital purpose during fetal development.
During the development of a fetus, there are two membranes that separate it from the mother. One of these is called the chorion, which surrounds both the fetus itself and all other membranes within the uterus. The chorionic villi originate from the chorion and are used to increase the surface area available to the fetus for the transfer of nutrients between it and the mother. The chorion consists of an inner and outer layer and also helps create the placenta.
The outer layer of the membrane consists of two parts: the ectoderm and the trophoblast. Primarily, the purpose of the trophoblast is to provide the fetus with nutrients as it grows. The ectoderm, on the other hand, later develops in various parts of the body including the teeth and the nervous system. During pregnancy, most of the chorion is not in contact with the fetus and therefore the villi in this area degrade. The parts that are in contact, however, will retain the villi.
Between the outer layer and the amnion is the inner layer made up of the somatic mesoderm. During fetal development, mesoderm plays an important role as it changes to create body parts including bones and muscles. It also becomes a skin layer later, and may retain some of its purpose-changing abilities.
There are several stages in the development of the chorion. The current phase is determined by the composition of the fabric. During the primary stage, only the trophoblast is present. The secondary stage includes the mesoderm while when the tertiary stage begins, the blood vessels have penetrated the tissue.
The amnion is the other membrane in the uterus during pregnancy. Its purpose is to provide protection to the developing embryo and it is found in many other animals, including all mammals and birds. The amnion is in contact with the somatic mesoderm and is used to transfer nutrients to the developing fetus.
The chorionic villi are used to provide the fetus with the maximum area for the exchange of nutrients and other substances with the mother. The blood is carried through the villi where it is replenished before returning to the fetus. For this reason the villi provide a vital purpose during the child’s development. There is uniform villus coverage across the fetal chorion, but after a few months of pregnancy it begins to develop unevenly.
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