FCETAL NUTRITION: THE PLACENTA 471 



origin, the mononuclear cells in Man appear to be engaged in 

 disintegrating mucosal tissue, and producing a zone of coagula- 

 tion necrosis, i.e. a symplasma, around the trophoblast. But 

 they diiler from similarly situated cells in lower animals, 6.17. 

 the mouse, in showing no evidence of ingestion of formed tissue- 

 elements. 





f^% 











Fig. 124 — Section of a portion of the necrotic zone of the decidua, and of 

 the layer of large cells on its inner aspect. (Bryce and Teacher.) 



nz., necrotic zone ; mc, large cells in various stages of degeneration ; 

 cav., blood-filled implantation cavity. 



In the youngest ova no space exists between the trophoblast 

 and the wall of the implantation cavit}' (Fig. 125). In later 

 specimens a space is formed, apparently by the absorption of the 

 debris of the necrotic zone. How this excavation is brought 

 about is uncertain. According to Peters, the trophoblast may 

 exercise a phagocytic action. Bryce and Teacher, however, found 



