Abstract
The amnioallantoic membrane is composed of four layers. (1) An inner amnionic epithelium which is a stratified layer during most of the incubation period. This layer stains positively for glycogen, ribonucleic acid, and neutral and acidic lipids and appears to be most active during the 15 to 17 days of incubation period. (2) A muscle layer composed of dorsoventrally and anteroposteriorly directed bands. During the early incubation stages these bands are organized to form the muscle configurations known as "cross-figures." During the later incubation stages, the organization of these muscle layers is disrupted by invasions of connective tissue and fat. (3) A connective tissue layer which includes blood and lymphatic vessels. (4) An outer allantoic epithelium which is rich in secretory granules. These granules include a sulfated mucopolysaccharide component. The activity of the allantoic epithelium increases progressively during the incubation period and is at peak activity at the 17- to 19-day incubation stage. During the final stages of incubation all layers show signs of decreased activity and degeneration.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: