chorion

American  

[kawr-ee-on, kohr-] / ˈkɔr iˌɒn, ˈkoʊr- /

noun

1. Embryology. the outermost of the extraembryonic membranes of land vertebrates, contributing to the formation of the placenta in the placental mammals.

2. Zoology. the membrane around the eggs of certain insects, secreted by cells of the ovary.

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chorion British  

/ ˈkɔːrɪən /

noun

1. the outer of two membranes that form a sac around the embryonic reptile, bird, or mammal: contributes to the placenta in mammals See also amnion

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chorion Scientific  

/ kôr′ē-ŏn′ /

1. The outer membrane that encloses the embryo of a reptile, bird, or mammal. In mammals, the chorion contributes to the development of the placenta.

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Other Word Forms

• chorial adjective
• chorionic adjective
• subchorionic adjective

Etymology

Origin of chorion

1535–45; < New Latin < Greek chórion membrane enclosing the fetus

Example Sentences

Blood cells and vessel production in structures outside the embryo proper called the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk begin about 15 to 16 days following fertilization.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The mechanism of gas exchange at the chorion is similar to gas exchange at the respiratory membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

These form the chorionic membrane, which envelops the entire conceptus as the chorion.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Some grow to form the extra-embryonic membranes needed to support and protect the growing embryo: the amnion, the yolk sac, the allantois, and the chorion.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The bones seemed better developed than ordinarily; the skin was thick, callous, and yellowish The chorion, amnion, and placenta were ossified and the cord dried up.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)