HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF HUMAN PLACENTA WITH EMPHASIS ON CAPILLARIES AND SYNCYTIAL KNOTS OF TERMINAL VILLI

Histological Study of Human Placenta

Abstract

Objective: To study the light microscopic structure of human placenta from different regions. To determine the role of the placenta in nutrition of the human fetus.
Design: A descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at MH Rawalpindi from January to June 2002.
Materials and Methods: Ten placentae of normal cases were used in this study. Placentae was cut along the maximum diameters into two halves after trimming the membranes. Three specimens were taken: one from the centre (A), one from the peripheral margins (C) and one from midway between the two (B). Specimens were further processed for paraffin sections. Five m thick sections were made on rotary microtome. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Periodic acid schift (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome stains were used. The morphology of villi was observed, and syncytial knots and capillaries were counted.
Results: The placental tissue was arranged as a chorionic plate, a basal plate and between the two the villous stems, their branches in the intervillous space. 
Mean number of syncytial knots in A, B and C regions were 144+22.56, 93+26.70 and 93+21.52 respectively. The quantitative difference between regions A, B and C was statistically insignificant (P>0.05), 
Mean number of capillaries in A, B and C regions was 114+46.04, 89+27.23 and 92+36.80 respectively. The quantitative difference between regions A, B and C was statistically insignificant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: In terminal villi, the syncytial knots and capillaries were more in the central (A) region as compared to in the peripheral (C) region. The quantitative difference between syncytial knots and capillaries of central (A) and peripheral (C) region was statistically insignificant.