amnion

Pronunciation: am′nē-on

Definition: Innermost of the extraembryonic membranes enveloping the embryo in utero and containing the amniotic fluid; it consists of an internal embryonic layer with its ectodermal component and an external somatic mesodermal component; in the later stages of pregnancy the amnion expands to come in contact with and partially fuse to the inner wall of the chorionic sac; derived from the trophoblast cells.

Synonym(s): amnionic sac

[G. the membrane around the fetus, fr. amnios, lamb]

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