Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to integrate the most common clinical scenarios faced in obstetric practice with pathologic examination of the placenta. Because much of the pathology has been covered descriptively in Chapter 31, Chapter 32 , the…
Introduction Placenta in Fetal Death General Historical/Clinical Background Examination of the placenta is a critical component in evaluating the etiology of intrauterine demise. This is particularly true as pregnancy progresses, because the cause of demise beyond the first trimester is…
General Principles Historical and Clinical Background A gross placental examination is important as a means of documenting structural abnormalities of the placenta and as a guide for tissue selection for histology. Many structural abnormalities were classified as significant placental disorders…
Introduction Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is defined as a spectrum of abnormal gestations and neoplasms arising from villous or extravillous trophoblast that are associated with pregnancy. As discussed in this chapter, GTD may take several forms, each with its own…
Early Development Embryo The oocyte is usually fertilized near the distal end of the fallopian tube, at approximately day 15 of the menstrual cycle, or the day after ovulation. During the next week, as the zygote travels through the fallopian…
Overview of Reproductive Tract Development The female genital tract is formed by a complex series of events beginning in the fourth week of development. This process involves the formation of the gonads following germ cell migration from the yolk sac…