chorionic villous tree

The chorionic villous tree is the organized, branching system of chorionic villi extending from the chorionic plate into the intervillous space, forming the primary functional unit of the placenta.

The villous tree occupies the intervillous space of the placenta, anchored to the chorionic plate with its branches extending downward toward the basal plate.

The villous tree dramatically increases the surface area available for maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and metabolic wastes across the placental barrier.

The tree is connected centrally to the chorionic plate and umbilical vessels, while its terminal branches are surrounded by maternal blood in the intervillous space.

The structural integrity of the villous tree determines placental efficiency; abnormalities correlate with intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and fetal complications.