PLACENTA AND ITS TYPES

• The placenta is an organ of metabolic interchange between

the conceptus and the dam.
• An endocrine organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals,
nourishing and maintaining the foetus through the umbilical
cord.
• The placenta is composed of a foetal component derived from
the chorion and a maternal component derived from
modifications of the uterine endometrium.
• The distinct regions of contact between the chorion and the
endometrium form specific zones of metabolic exchange.
• Its endocrine function is important to maintain the pregnancy
& induction of parturition.

Classification of Placenta
1. Classification based on distribution of villi:
The conceptus consists of the embryo and the extraembryonic
membranes (amnion, allantois, and chorion). The chorion is the
foetal contribution to the placenta. The functional unit of the foetal
placenta is the chorionic villus.
The chorionic villus is an "exchange apparatus” and provides
increased surface area so that exchange is maximized.
Chorionic villi are small, finger-like projections on the surface of
the chorion.
These tiny villi protrude away from the chorion toward the uterine
endometrium.
1. Diffuse type of placenta:
• Diffuse placentas have uniform distribution of chorionic villi
that cover the surface of the chorion.
• Example = pig, mare
• Initial attachment occurs around day 12 and is well
established by day 18 to 20 after ovulation.
• The mare placenta also contains unique structures known as
endometrial cups.
• The endometrial cups are of both trophoblastic and
endometrial origin.
• There are 5 to I0 endometrial cups distributed over the
surface of the placenta.
• Endometrial cups produce equine chorionic gonadotropin
(eCG) and develop between days 35 and 60 of pregnancy.
• Following day 60, the endometrial cups are sloughed into the
uterine lumen and are no longer functional.
• Attachment of the conceptus to the endometrium is initiated
at about day 24 and becomes well established by 36 to 38 days.

2. Zonary type of placenta:

• Zonary placentas have a band-like zone of chorionic villi.
• This zone may be involved in absorption of materials directly
from the uterine lumen.
• Example = Dogs & Cats

3. Cotyledonary type of placenta

• Cotyledonary placentas have numerous, discrete button-like
structures called cotyledons.
• In sheep 90 - 100 cotyledons & 70 - 120 in Cattle are found.
• The placentome (point of interface) in the cotyledonary
placenta consists of a foetal cotyledon contributed by the
chorion and a maternal cotyledon, originating from the
caruncular regions of the uterus.
• At about day 16 in sheep and day 25 in cattle the chorion
initiates attachment to the caruncles of the uterus.
• Prior to this time the placenta is essentially diffuse.
• Attachment is well established by day 30 in ewes and day 40
in cows.
4. Discoid type of placenta:
• Discoid placentas form a regionalized disc.
• These discs contain chorionic villi that interface with the
endometrium and provide the region for gas, nutrient, and
metabolic waste exchange.
• Example = Rodents and primates
 2. Classification based on number of placental layers that
separate the foetal blood from the maternal blood:
• Prefix =maternal side and Suffix =foetal side
• Example= "epithelia“+ "chorial“. Such as epitheliochorial.
• Epitheliochorial placenta= 6 layers.
1. Epitheliochorial Placenta: Both the endometrial epithelium
(maternal side) and epithelium of the chorionic villi are intact.
• This is found in the Sow and the Mare.
• Ruminant also have this type of placenta (Syndesmochorial).
2. Endotheliochorial Placenta: (5 Layers)
• Having complete erosion of the endometrial epithelium and
underlying interstitium.
• Thus, maternal capillaries are directly exposed to epithelial
cells of the chorion.
• Found in Dogs and Cats.
3. Haemochorial Placenta: (3 Layers)
• The chorionic epithelium is in direct apposition to maternal
pools of blood.
• Thus, nutrients and gases are exchanged directly from
maternal blood and must move through only three tissue
layers.
• Primates & Rodents.
 Functions of Placenta
• The Placenta regulates the exchange between the Fetus and
Dam.
• These are simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active
transport.
• Gases and water pass from high to low concentrations by
simple diffusion.
• Sodium and potassium, as well as calcium are pumped via
active transport.
• Glucose and other metabolically important materials such as
amino acids are transported by facilitated diffusion utilizing
specific carrier molecules.
HUBDAR ALI KOLACHI
DVM (GOLD MEDALIST), M. PHIL (SAU)