Figure 2

Schematic showing changes in the pig placental epithelial bilayer during gestation. On day 60 of pregnancy (a) the folded bilayer has a regular appearance and is embedded in placental stroma. The stromal covering of the folds is relatively deep. The fetal placental epithelial cells at the tops (fetus side is up in the figures) of the folds are tall columnar in appearance, the sides and bottoms are lined with cubiodal epithelia. By day 105 of gestation (b), the folded bilayer is wider, more complex and has secondary folds, which increases the interacting surface area. The epithelial cells of the bilayer are thinner to reduce the distance solutes must diffuse. The stromal space between the folds is expanded to accommodate the secondary folds. The stroma covering the folds is thinner and can be absent in placenta of small fetuses. Fetal and maternal capillaries (not shown) are immediately adjacent to the epithelial cells within the folded structure and are arranged in a countercurrent fashion.