Implantation

30 important questions on Implantation

What happens during the beginning of implantation on day 7?

1. Attachment of blastocyst to the uterine wall
2. Differentiation of the inner cell mass into epiblast and hypoblast
3. Trophoblast proliferates and differentiates to invade uterine matrix via formation of synctium

Which specific area of the uterine wall does the blastocyst attach to?

The blastocyst specifically attaches to the site of the uterine wall with embryonic pole

What does the inner cell mass (embryoblast) differentiate into once the blastocyst is attached to the embryonic pole?

  • Epiblast (closer to embryonic pole) and hypoblast (facing blastocyst cavity), which form the bilaminar embryonic disc.
    • Higher grades + faster learning
    • Never study anything twice
    • 100% sure, 100% understanding
    Discover Study Smart

    What two cell types does trophoblast proliferate and differentiate into in order to invade the uterine wall?

  • 1. Cytotrophoblast
  • 2. Syncytiotrophoblast, which fuse together to form a syncytium (a multinucleated mass) that digests the endometrium/uterine matrix to better embed the blastocyst
  • What happens on day 8 (implantation)?

    1. Continuation of blastocyst implantation into uterine wall via syncytiotrophoblast expansion
    2. Formation of amniotic cavity at embryonic pole
    3. Migration of parts of epiblast cells to amnioblasts

    What is the purpose of further syncytiotrophoblast expansion?

    To invade deeper into the uterine lining, anchoring the blastocyst firmly.

    Where does amniotic cavity form?

    Within the epiblast layer, at the embryonic pole

    What is the purpose of migration of parts of epiblast cells to amnioblasts?

    To cover the roof of amniotic cavity

    What is the coagulation plug?

    A temporary blood clot that forms once implantation is complete and seals the small opening in the uterine wall where the blastocyst has attached to. (protective)

    How is the primary yolk sac formed?

  • Some cells from the hypoblast migrate and line the trophoblastic cavity, form a thin membrane that encloses into the primary yolk sac.
  • What is the purpose of primary yolk sac?

    Provides internal nutrient storage and transfer to the embryo from what is already within the embryo's environment

    What is the trophoblastic lacunae and its function?

    Trophoblastic lacunae are fluid-filled cavities that form within the syncytiotrophoblast to begin early maternal nutrient and gas exchange.

    What are the developmental changes of the blastocyst from day 12 to day 13?

    1. Merging of expanding syncytiotrophoblast with maternal capillaries = filling up trophoblastic lacunae with maternal blood
    2. Formation of extraembryonic mesoderm
    3. Formation of chorionic cavity
    4. Formation of definitive yolk sac
    5. Suspension of embryo from chorionic cavity via proliferation of extraembryonic mesoderm

    What does the extraembryonic mesoderm do?

    Acts as a supportive tissue layer that surrounds the embryo and lines the cytotrophoblast

    What structures does the chorionic cavity separate?

    The chorionic cavity, a cavity within the extraembryonic mesoderm, separates the primary yolk sac from the cytotrophoblast

    How is the definitive yolk sac formed?

    The second wave of hypoblast cell proliferation replaces the degenerating primary yolk sac with definitive yolk sac.

    What does the proliferation of extraembryonic mesoderm, starting from day 13, do?

    1. On day 13, it forms the primary stem villus by forcing the cytotrophoblast to invade the syncytiotrophoblast.
    2. On day 16, the extraembryonic mesoderm also invades the primary stem villus, forming the secondary stem villus.
    3. Between day 16 and 21, the extraembryonic mesoderm differentiates into connective tissue and blood vessels, forming the tertiary stem villus.  

    What happens on day 21, once the tertiary stem villus is established?

    Formation of uteroplacental circulation (fully established cirulatory system)

    What does the uteroplacental circulation do?

    Provides the embryo a direct/efficient supply of maternal blood via formation of blood vessels that penetrate throughout the tertiary stem villus. (allows rapid growth of embryo)

    What is the locational change in chorion as the embryo expands?

    Initially, the chorion covers the whole embryo. However, as the embryo expands into the uterine cavity the chorion is pushed and restricted the embryonic pole.

    What is the two structural components of chorion?

    1. Chorion laeve - smooth chorion at abembryonic pole
    2. Chorion frondosum - leafy chorion at embryonic pole, associated with decidua basalis

    What two structures form the placenta?

    1. Chorion frondosum (embryonic contribution)
    2. Decidua basalis (maternal contribution)

    What is the relationship between the amniotic cavity and chorionic cavity as the embryo develops?

    The amniotic cavity obliterates/restrictes the chorionic cavity as it reaches late pregnancy
    - amniotic cavity surrounds the whole embryo
    - chorionic cavity is reduced to chorionic sac

    What are the possible causes of ectopic pregnancies?

    1. Infections (to fallopian tube)
    2. Scarring from surgical interventions in pelvis/tubes
    3. Tobacco usage
    4. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
    5. Congenital anomalies (tube malformation)
    6. Endometriosis
    (ectopic fragments of uterine mucosa in fallopian tubes)

    What is ectopic pregnancy and what is its prevalence?

    Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. It is present in 1-2% of pregnancies.

    What is the most common type of ectopic pregnancy and why?

    Ampullary ectopic pregnancy (54%) because fertilisation happens in the ampulla.

    What is placenta previa and what is its consequence?

    When the implantation happens in the low uterus that can lead to premature birth because of cervix being pushed open by the placenta.

    What is placenta accreta and what is its consequence?

    A deep implantation where the chorionic villi reaches myometrium instead of endometrium. It is followed by severe bleeding when giving birth as the placenta "rips out" the deeper portion of the uterine wall

    What is placenta percreta?

    A deep implantation where the chorionic villi penetrates the full thickness of the myometrium.

    Which is a deeper implantation: placenta accreta or placenta percreta?

    Placenta percreta is a deeper implantation

    The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

    • A unique study and practice tool
    • Never study anything twice again
    • Get the grades you hope for
    • 100% sure, 100% understanding
    Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
    Trustpilot Logo