SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF THE HUMAN PLACENTA AND DECIDUAL SPIRAL ARTERIES IN NORMAL PREGNANCY

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Abstract
Summary: The spiral arteries supplying the human placenta at full term were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The technique employed allowed a detailed study of the surface structure of the terminal part of the vessels and the openings into the intervillous space of the placenta. Cells of two distinctly different sizes were found lining the internal surface of the spiral arteries and identified as endothelium and cytotrophoblast cells. The cytotrophoblast cells were also observed in the lumen of the spiral arteries. The surface of the basal villi of the placenta had a spongy appearance due to the abundant microvilli of the cytotrophoblast.The close association of the maternal and fetal circulation was demonstrated and, in some places, the barrier between the maternal and the fetal blood supplies consisted of a single layer of syncytiotrophoblast. Further studies of the maternal vasculature supplying the human placenta may elucidate the nature of the occlusive vascular process which results in placental infarction and fetal growth retardation.

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