**Question:** Which trophoblast takes part in the invasion of the uterine arterial tree during secondary placental development?
1. **Syncytiotrophoblast:** The syncytiotrophoblast is the outermost layer of the placenta, formed by fusion of cytotrophoblasts. It plays a crucial role in nutrient transport, hormone production, and immune regulation. However, it is not involved in uterine arterial invasion.
2. **Interstitial Extra-Villous Trophoblast (EVT):** Interstitial EVT invades the uterine spiral arteries during pregnancy. They undergo a process called "hypertrophy", where they enlarge and proliferate, remodeling the uterine spiral arteries and converting them into low-resistance, high-capacity vessels for efficient nutrient and oxygen supply to the growing fetus.
3. **Endovascular Extra-Villous Trophoblast (EVT):** EVT also invade the uterine spiral arteries by penetrating the endothelium and smooth muscle layers, further remodeling the arteries to improve blood flow and oxygenation.
4. **Option D (not mentioned in options):** Decidual Trophoblasts are another type of trophoblast that plays a role in decidualization of the uterus, but they are not involved in uterine arterial invasion.
5. **Correct Answer:** Option C, **Interstitial Extra-Villous Trophoblast (EVT)** is the correct answer. EVT invade the uterine spiral arteries and remodel them for efficient nutrient and oxygen supply to the growing fetus.
6. **Why the other options are incorrect:**
- **Option A (Syncytiotrophoblast):** They are responsible for nutrient and hormone transport, not arterial invasion.
- **Option B (Decidual Trophoblasts):** They participate in decidualization, not arterial invasion.
- **Option D (not mentioned):** Decidual Trophoblasts are not involved in uterine arterial invasion.
7. **Clinical Pearls:** Understanding the various types of trophoblasts and their roles is essential for understanding placental development and fetal-maternal interaction. This knowledge is crucial for obstetricians and gynecologists, as well as those studying for exams like NEET PG, USMLE, AIIMS, and FMGE.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.