Microscopic Survey

Abstract

For the beginner in placental histology and histopathology, paraffin sections of the organ look confusing because 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 some introduction into those basic histological features that leap to the eye when inspecting a paraffin section and thus to provide quick orientation for the inexperienced. For this purpose we have selected a collection of quite conventional photographs from routine histological sections, of routine quality. Labeling of the figures is explained in the text. For further reading concerning the various structures, we refer to later chapters. For quantitative data we refer to Table 28.1.