deciduate placenta

biology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A deciduate placenta is a type of placenta found in certain mammals where the maternal tissue is shed along with the fetal membranes during childbirth. This contrasts with a nondeciduate placenta, where the maternal tissue is reabsorbed by the female and not shed. Mammals with deciduate placentas are referred to as Deciduata. This shedding process involves the maternal component of the placenta, known as the decidua basalis, being cast off. The term "subplacenta" is also used synonymously with decidua.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

mammal
Implantation, gestation, and birth
…as “afterbirth” (a condition called deciduate) or may be resorbed by the female (nondeciduate). Placentas have been classified on the basis of the relationship between maternal and embryonic tissues. In the simplest nondeciduate placental arrangement, the chorionic villi are in contact with uterine epithelium (the inner surface layer). In the…
Read More
…as “afterbirth” (a condition called deciduate) or may be resorbed by the female (nondeciduate). Placentas have been classified on the basis of the relationship between maternal and embryonic tissues. In the simplest nondeciduate placental arrangement, the chorionic villi are in contact with uterine epithelium (the inner surface layer). In the…
Read More