Mammal, bovine placenta (Gross, Medium)

Structure List Placentoma Fetal cotyledon Maternal cotyledon Sulci Villi Placental vessels Low Magnification View

Fetal cotyledons are seen on the surface of the chorioallantoic membrane which attach to the maternal caruncles(maternal cotyledons) to provide for gas and nutrient exchange. The fetal cotyledon is shown here with villi, which develop off the surface of the chorio-allantoic membrane and grow into sulci of the maternal caruncle.This interdigitation is the site of blood gas and nutrient exchange. (There is no mixing of blood between the fetus and the mother.)