Microscopic Survey

Abstract

For the beginner in placental histology and histopathology, paraffin sections of the organ are confusing as they contain not only a broad variety of differently structured villi but many nonvillous structures as well. It is the intention of this chapter to provide an introduction to those basic histologic features that leap into eyesight during inspection of a paraffin section and thus provide a quick orientation for the inexperienced. For this purpose we have selected a collection of conventional photographs from routine histologic sections and of routine quality. For further reading concerning the various structures, we refer to later chapters.