The chorioamnion (CA), or placental, membrane is the sac that surrounds the fetus in utero. It is comprised of two layers; the inner fibrous amnion, composed of mainly collagen, and the thick, cellular chorion. The CA membrane exhibits incredible toughness under tension, while still allowing the two layers to easily slide over one another1,2. The interface between the chorion and amnion consists of gyri (folds) and sulci (furrows)3, which enable the two layers to tightly interlock and facilitate the intact membrane’s resistance to tension. This complex structure also allows the two layers to expand during gestation without losing mechanical integrity. The gyrus and sulcus from one section are believed to uncouple, slide laterally, and then lock into their new position while the remaining membrane is unaffected by the motion3. SEM imaging of freeze-fractured CA has revealed a multitude of fine fibers connecting the two layers as illustrated in Figure 1. These are suggested to serve as “guy ropes”, which restrict the amount that the two layers could slide over one another3. Also of importance at this interface is the presence of hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan. The hyaluronan has been suggested to reduce the resistance between the two layers so that they may glide over one another more easily throughout gestation and with vigorous fetal movements1. The combination of the elaborate topography of the interface and the lubricating glycosaminoglycans present throughout this layer play a role in the mechanics of the interface between chorion and amnion.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference
June 16–19, 2010
Naples, Florida, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Bioengineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4403-8
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Shear and Friction in the Delamination of Human Chorioamnion
Brandi N. Briggs,
Brandi N. Briggs
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Search for other works by this author on:
Virginia L. Ferguson
Virginia L. Ferguson
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Search for other works by this author on:
Brandi N. Briggs
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Virginia L. Ferguson
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Paper No:
SBC2010-19681, pp. 461-462; 2 pages
Published Online:
July 15, 2013
Citation
Briggs, BN, & Ferguson, VL. "Shear and Friction in the Delamination of Human Chorioamnion." Proceedings of the ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference. ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference, Parts A and B. Naples, Florida, USA. June 16–19, 2010. pp. 461-462. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SBC2010-19681
Download citation file:
2
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Mode II Edge Delamination of Compressed Thin Films
J. Appl. Mech (September,2001)
Fatigue Damage Modeling Techniques for Textile Composites: Review and Comparison With Unidirectional Composite Modeling Techniques
Appl. Mech. Rev (March,2015)
Impact on Laminated Composite Materials
Appl. Mech. Rev (April,1991)
Related Chapters
Clamping, Interference, Microslip, and Self-Piercing Rivets
Structural Shear Joints: Analyses, Properties and Design for Repeat Loading
Theoretical Analysis of Sliding Friction Contact between Friction Lining and Wire Rope
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology 2009 (ICMET 2009)
Cavitating Structures at Inception in Turbulent Shear Flow
Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Cavitation (CAV2018)