Mary Spring: Fetal Support Network

The vascular network of the placenta is a complex three-dimensional structure functioning as a physiological interface, facilitating oxygen and nutrient exchange between the fetus and mother critical for fetal growth. Dysfunctional placental vascular development is a major characteristic of fetal growth restriction in which maldevelopment and inadequacies in vascular architecture reduce blood flow and restrict this exchange capacity subsequently impacting fetal growth. This 3D vascular network injected with contrast agents can be captured using MicroCT. Compared to healthy controls FGR placentae have elongated vessels, reduced branching and less vessels terminating in capillary loops.

Acknowledgements: Mr Dane Gerneke (ABI)

This poster was uploaded for the SGS Research Showcase 2021.

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