Intervillous connections in the mature human placenta: instances of syncytial fusion or section artifacts?

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RESUMO

In order to investigate the nature of apparent intervillous syncytial connections in the normal mature human placenta, 250 examples were followed through plastic serial sections at 2 micron intervals. It was possible to classify them into four types according to their origin. Type 1 (20%): section through an area of syncytial fusion or genuine bridge; Type 2 (53%): tangential section through the syncytium filling the crotch of a villus branching point; Type 3 (4%): tangential section through the syncytium lining the internal angle of a tight 'U' bend of a villus; Type 4 (23%): tangential section through the syncytium of a sinuous villus. It is clear, therefore, that whilst areas of syncytial fusion do occur between adjacent villi, the majority of supposed intervillous connections seen in sections are artifacts.

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