Obgyn Key

Key Points • Development of the kidneys (nephrogenesis) occurs between the 5th and 32nd weeks of human gestation when the ureteric bud interacts with metanephric mesenchyme, which undergoes mesenchymal–epithelial conversion…

Key Points • Perinatal autopsy (examination after death) fulfils several roles, including determination or clarification of the underlying diagnosis, answering specific questions raised by parents and clinicians, quality assurance, governance…

Key Points • The heart is largely derived from mesoderm. • A single heart tube forms with venous and arterial connections. It elongates by addition of cells at either end…

Key Points • Pathological examination of the placenta may provide useful information regarding the underlying mechanisms of a range of pregnancy complications that may guide future management and improve understanding…

Key Points • The development and structure of the human haemochorial placenta • The development of the uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulations Introduction This chapter highlights areas in which developmental placental…

Key Points • Maternofetal exchange across the placenta provides the solutes and water needed for fetal development and growth and enables the waste products of fetal metabolism to be transferred…

Key Points • The extravillous pathway of trophoblast differentiation is essential for the development of the fetoplacental blood supply. • As they invade into the maternal decidua, extravillous trophoblast cells…

Key Points • Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are the commonest early pregnancy complications. • The diagnosis of early pregnancy failure should be made on transvaginal ultrasound scan given its high…

Key Points • This chapter describes the tissue types present in early embryos and the interactions between these tissues. • The membrane systems and cytoskeletal elements within a typical cell…