trophoblast

American  

[trof-uh-blast, troh-fuh-] / ˈtrɒf əˌblæst, ˈtroʊ fə- /

noun

Embryology.

1. the layer of extraembryonic ectoderm that chiefly nourishes the embryo or develops into fetal membranes with nutritive functions.

---

trophoblast British  

/ ˈtrɒfəˌblæst /

noun

1. the outer layer of cells of the embryo of placental mammals, which is attached to the uterus wall and absorbs nourishment from the uterine fluids

---

trophoblast Scientific  

/ trō′fə-blăst′ /

1. The outermost layer of cells of the blastocyst, which attaches the fertilized ovum to the uterine wall and serves as a nutritive pathway for the embryo. The trophoblast eventually differentiates into such tissues as the amnion, the placenta, and the umbilical cord.

---

Other Word Forms

• trophoblastic
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of trophoblast

First recorded in 1885–90; tropho- + -blast

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trophoblast

They named the monkey "ReTro", after the scientific method, called "trophoblast replacemement", used to produce the animal.

From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2024

One is called trophoblast; it’s the tissue that would normally form placenta.

From Scientific American ● Jun. 16, 2023

The trophoblast cells that grow into the lining of the uterus when the placenta first forms invade maternal vessels in the uterus and enlarge them to facilitate blood flow for the developing fetus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2015

What would happen if the trophoblast did not secrete hCG upon implantation of the blastocyst?

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

In a healthy pregnancy, cells that come from the embryo’s placenta—called trophoblast cells—move into the walls of the uterus and help to open up maternal arteries, thereby increasing the available blood and nutrient supply.

From Slate ● Oct. 21, 2011

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---