trophoblast

[ trof-uh-blast, troh-fuh- ]

noun

, Embryology.

1. the layer of extraembryonic ectoderm that chiefly nourishes the embryo or develops into fetal membranes with nutritive functions.

trophoblast

/ ˈtrɒfəˌblæst /

noun

1. the outer layer of cells of the embryo of placental mammals, which is attached to the uterus wall and absorbs nourishment from the uterine fluids

trophoblast

/ trō′fə-blăst′ /

1. The outermost layer of cells of the blastocyst, which attaches the fertilized ovum to the uterine wall and serves as a nutritive pathway for the embryo. The trophoblast eventually differentiates into such tissues as the amnion, the placenta, and the umbilical cord.

Derived Forms

• ˌtrophoˈblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• tropho·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trophoblast¹

First recorded in 1885–90; tropho- + -blast

Word History and Origins

Origin of trophoblast¹

C19: from tropho- + -blast

Example Sentences

They named the monkey "ReTro", after the scientific method, called "trophoblast replacemement", used to produce the animal.

From BBC

I can see the trophoblast, which would normally become the placenta, enveloping the embryo.

From BBC

One is called trophoblast; it’s the tissue that would normally form placenta.

From Scientific American

That analysis should include comparing the chemical tags on DNA that influence cell function and sizing up how efficiently the cells differentiate into different types of specialized trophoblast cells.

From Science Magazine

The unwinding in turn blocks the expression of genes that would make trophoblast stem cells differentiate and stop growing.

From Science Magazine