Reasons for Diversity of Placental Structure

Many early embryonic stages are nearly indistinguishable in different Eutheria. However, implantation stages and placental morphological types vary tremendously. A number of factors favor this conflicting diversity. 1. Whereas embryo development takes place in the isolation of the amniotic cavity, the extraembryonic membranes of the conceptus develop in close association with the uterus of a genetically different organism. 2. Early conditions for the developing conceptus are anaerobic whereas later in development efficient aerobic conditions are essential for continued growth of the fetus. 3. Developing extraembryonic membranes have the potential to form two partially sequential placentas. The yolk sac can participate in forming a choriovitelline placenta, including an interhemal region, and can be adapted to various non-respiratory functions as gestation proceeds. Development of the chorioallantoic placenta begins later than the choriovitelline placenta but can overlap with this before supplanting it. The original development of the extraembryonic membranes occurs when the conceptus is sufficiently small that neither its nutritional requirements nor its respiratory needs are the burden to the maternal organism that they are later in gestation. Despite these developmental factors promoting different methods of forming the definitive placenta, the placental type is consistent within most families indicating that the divergence in placental structure accompanied evolution of differences between groups.