Trophoblast cells, originating from the blastocyst's outer layer, are highly specialized and pivotal for embryo development. Their crucial roles include facilitating implantation and contributing to the formation of the placenta, an essential organ for fetal nutrition, gas exchange, and waste removal during pregnancy. These cells play a crucial role in implantation by adhering to the uterus lining. Post-implantation, some trophoblast cells differentiate, forming syncytiotrophoblasts. These multi-nucleated cells absorb nutrients, release waste, and secrete hormones, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), sustaining pregnancy. Trophoblast cells also play a crucial role in immune tolerance, preventing the maternal immune system from treating the fetus as foreign. This balance is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Dysfunctional trophoblast cells may lead to complications like miscarriages or preeclampsia, emphasizing their importance in both embryology and reproductive medicine. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)

trophoblast cell

An extraembryonic cell that develops from a trophectodermal cell. This cell is found in the outer layer of the blastocyst and can invade other structures in the uterus once the blastocyst implants into the uterine wall. A trophoblast cell is involved in the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall, placental formation, remodelling of maternal vasculature in the uterus, nutrient and gas exchange, hormone production, and immune modulation to support fetal development.

trophoblastic cell

FMA:83028