extravillous trophoblast

Term ID

UBERON:0000426

Synonyms

• interstitial trophoblast

Definition

The outermost layer of trophoblast, produced by cytotrophoblast where there is direct contact with maternal decidua rather than blood. The EVT cells travel into the decidua, reacting with NK cells and invading maternal blood vessels feeding the placenta, softening the walls and replacing the lining with fetal tissue, a process called conversion.

References

• BTO:0002366

Ontology

Uberon Ontology