Placenta: 1st trimester

The composition of villi is demonstrated in an enlargement of floating chorionic villi located in the intervillous space. 400x

The composition of villi is demonstrated in an enlargement of floating chorionic villi located in the intervillous space. 400x

The composition of villi is demonstrated in an enlargement of floating chorionic villi located in the intervillous space. 400x

Syncytiotrophoblast is a single-cell syncytium that covers each villus and all chorionic surfaces, thus lining the intervillous space. This syncytium possesses abundant microvilli to increase surface area for transport. Syncytiotrophoblast synthesizes most of the placental hormones and is an important component of the barrier between fetal and maternal blood.

Syncytiotrophoblast is a single-cell syncytium that covers each villus and all chorionic surfaces, thus lining the intervillous space. This syncytium possesses abundant microvilli to increase surface area for transport. Syncytiotrophoblast synthesizes most of the placental hormones and is an important component of the barrier between fetal and maternal blood.