part of part of trophoblast cell placental villous trophoblast 2014-10-07T17:48:27Z CL:2000060 http://www.sciencellonline.com/site/productInformation.php?keyword=7120 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_2000060 Same as synctial trophoblast? The placental villous trophoblast, a highly specialized cell type crucial for placental development, plays a key role in facilitating exchanges between the maternal bloodstream and the developing fetus. Structurally, placental villous trophoblasts are situated on the villous tree structures, forming an outer epithelial layer. Comprising two subtypes—proliferating cytotrophoblasts forming the inner layer and terminally differentiated syncytiotrophoblasts constituting the outer layer in contact with maternal blood—these cells define the placental architecture. Functionally, placental villous trophoblasts play pivotal roles in forming and maintaining the placenta, ensuring the safe development of the fetus. Their primary function involves managing substance exchange between the mother and fetus, mediating the transfer of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste materials to support optimal fetal growth. Additionally, these trophoblasts synthesize and release crucial hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which maintains the decidua and signals the mother's body to sustain pregnancy. Acting as a physical and immunological barrier, they protect the fetus from maternal immune cells and prevent the transmission of pathogens, contributing significantly to the success of pregnancy. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) villous cytotrophoblast A trophoblast of placental villi. These cells fuse to form synctial trophoplast - the placental side of the interface between the placenta and maternal blood sinusoids in the decidua. vCTB BTO:0006208 BTO:0006119 placental labyrinth villous