Some anatomical observations on the human placenta as applied to microvascular surgical practice.
The human placenta has many vessels traversing its foetal surface. A variety of sizes is available down to vessels of diameter 1 mm. Selection of a suitable artery can provide a vessel that can be satisfactorily used for microsurgical practice. Where other preparations are not available, the human placenta appears to offer a reasonable, cheap and readily available alternative.
D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery