Cytotrophoblast 4210275 184371643 2008-01-15T00:10:19Z Bobjgalindo 4429928 [[es:Citotrofoblasto]] {{Infobox Embryology | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = | GraySubject = 6 | GrayPage = 47 | Image = Gray36.png | Caption = Primary chorionic villi. Diagrammatic. | Image2 = Gray37.png | Caption2 = Secondary chorionic villi. Diagrammatic. | System = | CarnegieStage = 5a | Days = 8 | Precursor = | GivesRiseTo = | MeshName = Trophoblasts | MeshNumber = A16.254.085.162 | DorlandsPre = c_73 | DorlandsSuf = 12278820 | }} The '''cytotrophoblast''' (or '''layer of Langhans''') is the inner layer of the [[trophoblast]], interior to the [[syncytiotrophoblast]] in an embryo. It serves to anchor the embryonic [[chorion]] to the maternal [[endometrium]]. Cytotrophoblasts are stem cells in the [[chorionic villi]]. During differentiation, mononuclear cytotrophoblast fuse together into the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts. ==Invading cytotrophoblasts== These cells invade maternal uterine tissues and thus are in direct contact with maternal stroma and immune cells. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Gray12.png|Section through embryonic area of Vespertilio murinus to show the formation of the amniotic cavity. </gallery> ==External links== * {{BUHistology|19908loa}} - "Female Reproductive System: placental villi" * [http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/embryology/earlydev/week1/cyto-syncytio.html Diagram at McGill] {{developmental-biology-stub}} {{Embryology}}[[Category:Embryology]] [[es:Citotrofoblasto]] [[lt:Citotrofoblastai]]