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What is Trophoblast?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A trophoblast is a layer of cells comprising the outer shell of a blastocyst, a cellular cluster that will eventually develop into an embryo. The trophoblast plays an important role in embryonic implantation and development and the cells it contains are among the first to start differentiating as a fertilized egg begins dividing to produce an embryo. Ultimately, these cells develop into the placenta, the interface between fetus and mother designed to provide a conduit for nutrients and waste products.

Within four to six days after fertilization, the trophoblast begins to form. These cells arrange themselves along the outside of the developing blastocyst and begin secreting hormones designed to prepare the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, for implantation. Initially, the blastocyst drifts in the uterus, until the trophoblast successfully connects with the uterine lining and implants. The trophoblast can begin dividing and differentiating to create the placenta.

The outer shell of a blastocyst is known as a trophoblast.
The outer shell of a blastocyst is known as a trophoblast.

A number of things can go wrong in the early stages of embryonic development. Cells may fail to divide, stopping development in its tracks, or fatal errors of division may occur. Sometimes the blastocyst fails to implant and it will stop developing as a result of not being able to access nutrients. Once implanted, environmental exposures and a wide variety of other factors can interfere with successful development.

A trophoblast is a layer of cells comprising the outer shell of a blastocyst, a cellular cluster that will eventually develop into an embryo.
A trophoblast is a layer of cells comprising the outer shell of a blastocyst, a cellular cluster that will eventually develop into an embryo.

After delivery, the placenta is expressed and can be discarded. It is important to remove the entirety of the placenta from the uterus to limit the risks of infection and other complications related to retained placental material. There are also concerns about uterine bleeding and other complications after delivery, requiring follow up medical appointments to look for signs of complications.

Trophoblast cells secrete hormones to prepare the endometrium for implantation.
Trophoblast cells secrete hormones to prepare the endometrium for implantation.

Trophoblastic cells can become cancerous. Sometimes an embryo fails to develop and the trophoblastic cells continue dividing in a molar pregnancy, and if trophoblastic cells are left behind after delivery, they can develop into a trophoblastic tumor. Known as gestational trophoblastic disease, these abnormalities of cell development are sometimes benign and sometimes not. Biopsy of the cells is needed to learn more about the origins of the growth and their level of malignancy.

The study of cells involved in embryonic development can be applied to issues of infertility.
The study of cells involved in embryonic development can be applied to issues of infertility.

Like other cells involved in embryonic development, trophoblastic cells are a topic of interest for researchers. Scientists are interested in studying the way that cells signal between themselves as a fetus develops and they also look at what goes wrong with embryonic development. This research can be applied to infertility and a variety of other medical issues.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The outer shell of a blastocyst is known as a trophoblast.
      By: nobeastsofierce
      The outer shell of a blastocyst is known as a trophoblast.
    • A trophoblast is a layer of cells comprising the outer shell of a blastocyst, a cellular cluster that will eventually develop into an embryo.
      By: designua
      A trophoblast is a layer of cells comprising the outer shell of a blastocyst, a cellular cluster that will eventually develop into an embryo.
    • Trophoblast cells secrete hormones to prepare the endometrium for implantation.
      By: reineg
      Trophoblast cells secrete hormones to prepare the endometrium for implantation.
    • The study of cells involved in embryonic development can be applied to issues of infertility.
      By: diego cervo
      The study of cells involved in embryonic development can be applied to issues of infertility.
    • The entirety of the placenta must be removed from the uterus following the birth of a child.
      By: WONG SZE FEI
      The entirety of the placenta must be removed from the uterus following the birth of a child.
    • A biopsy of a trophoblastic tumor is needed to determine whether cancer is present.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A biopsy of a trophoblastic tumor is needed to determine whether cancer is present.