Encyclopedia of Science
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• USE OF TEXT AND IMAGES
• NEWSLETTER

  



chorion


Placenta and embryo at 8 weeks of pregnancy
The placenta and embryo at 8 weeks of pregnancy. Image credit: Merck
One of the two membranes that surrounds the embryo. The chorion lies outside the amnion and is formed from trophoblast lined with mesoderm and becomes closely associated with the allantois. The blood vessels (supplied by the allantois) are concentrated in the region of the chorion that is attached to the wall of the uterus and develops into the placenta.

A chorion is found in the embryonic system of mammals, birds, and reptiles, and the insect egg. In birds it is the moist lining between the shell and the allantois (the organ for gaseous exchange).

Chorionic tissue may be removed for prenatal or antenatal diagnosis. See chorionic villus sampling.


Related categories

   • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
   • DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP