Decidual cells

Decidual cells
Dorlands /Elsevier	c_18/12223098
*Anatomical terminology* [edit on Wikidata]

Before the fertilized ovum reaches the uterus, the mucous membrane of the body of the uterus undergoes important changes and is then known as the decidua. The thickness and vascularity of the mucous membrane are greatly increased; its glands are elongated and open on its free surface by funnel-shaped orifices, while their deeper portions are tortuous and dilated into irregular spaces. The interglandular tissue is also increased in quantity, and is crowded with large round, oval, or polygonal cells, termed decidual cells. Their enlargement is due to glycogen and lipid accumulation in the cytoplasm allowing these cells to provide a rich source of nutrition for the developing embryo.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links

Histology image: 19905loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University - "Female Reproductive System: placenta, decidual cells"
UIUC Histology Subject 1107

Membranes of the fetus and embryo

Embryo	Trophoblast Cytotrophoblast Syncytiotrophoblast Intermediate trophoblast Allantois Decidua Decidual cells Chorionic villi/Intervillous space Amnion sac cavity

Fetus	Umbilical cord Umbilical artery Umbilical vein Wharton's jelly

Circulatory	Placenta Chorion

Other	Blastocoel Heuser's membrane Vitelline duct Gestational sac

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