Microanatomy of the human amniotic membranes. A light microscopic, transmission, and scanning electron microscopic study.
The human amnion was examined by means of light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The surface shows apart from microvilli a particular structure, called "blebs"; the intercellular junction is formed by desmosomes and a labyrinthine channel system, and at the base pedicels extend into the basement membrane. Cell shedding uncovers the basement membrane which seems to play a primordial role in preserving the intact amniotic cavity. These data underline the complex structure and the multiple role the amnion performs during gestation.
D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003896:Desmosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010920:Placenta / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011247:Pregnancy; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000648:ultrastructure