decidua
/dɪˈsɪdjʊə
/noun [mass noun] Physiology
The thick layer of modified mucous membrane which lines the uterus during pregnancy and is shed with the afterbirth.One mechanism by which microorganisms might cause preterm labor is through ascension from the cervical/vaginal area and replication in the placenta, decidua and membranes....
- There were large amounts of polarizable foreign body material contained within the membranes and maternal decidua, without associated inflammation or tissue reaction.
- The tissue is sent to the laboratory where the fetal villi are dissected from the maternal decidua and either processed directly or cultured for chromosomal, DNA or biochemical analysis.
Derivatives
decidual
/ adjective ...- The pathophysiologic events that trigger preterm birth are largely unknown but may include decidual hemorrhage, uterine overdistension, and hormonal changes possibly mediated by fetal or maternal stress.
- The thickened, hormonally charged decidual tissue is a fertile implantation site for the enlarging placenta and also acts as a barrier between the placental tissue and uterine muscle.
- Separate fragments of secretory endometrium with decidual stromal reaction and inactive glands were also seen.
Origin
Late 18th century: from modern Latin decidua (membrana), literally 'falling off (membrane)'.