What is Amnion?
Amnion is the thin sac of membrane present during a women’s pregnancy that protects the embryo and provides essential nutrients, breathing, and other activities required for the better development of embryos.
Amnion is present in animals and mammals but not seen in amphibians and fish. The amniotic membrane forms an additional embryonic layer, the somatic mesoderm, and the inner-outer layer, called the ectoderm or tropical germ layer; each cell has a specific function.
The Amnion layer is filled with the liquid substance cal amniotic fluid and functions as a shock absorber for the unborn baby in the womb from harmful external factors. It contains 2 percent of solids comprised of urea and other waste materials from the blood, proteins, and some traces of sugar.
The amniotic fluid allows the free movement of the fetus at a later time during the pregnancy and also protects from any risk or injury without it. The Amnion also protects the embryo and expands as it grows more prominent in the later stages of pregnancy.
The rupture of the amniotic membrane releases the amniotic region that signals the onset of the pregnancy and labor stages.
What is Chorion?
The chorion is the outer layer that covers the Amnion layer and other membranes surrounding the embryo. It provides the main support for the growth of the fetus and the amniotic layer.
There are two layers of Chorion. The outer layer is called the trophoblast, and the mesoderm is the inner layer. It is seen that the mesoderm is in contact with the Amnion layer. The trophoblast layer provides the essential nutrients for the fetus and ectoderm for the gases developed into many other body parts like teeth and the nervous system.
The Chorion layer gives double protection to the embryo and helps the blood supply between the mother and the fetus. It forms a thin lining in the female uterus. It also provides oxygen and other essential nutrients for the baby’s growth in the womb. It helps in removing waste products from the baby’s blood. It is also considered a necessary part of the placenta and aids in gas exchange during fetal growth.
Difference Between Amnion and Chorion
- Amnion is the thin sac of membrane present during a women’s pregnancy that protects the embryo. However, Chorion is the outer layer that covers the Amnion layer and other membranes surrounding the embryo.
- Amnion protects the embryo and provides nourishment for the fetus. Where the Chorion layer protects the embryo and other surrounding membranes of the embryo.
- The Amniotic membrane protects the embryo and expands itself as it gets bigger. The chorion layer, on the other hand, doubles the protection of the embryo, helps with blood supply, and forms a thin inner layer in a woman’s uterus.
- Chorion forms a tail-like structure called chorionic villi. Amnion consists of epithelial cells, collagen membrane, Allantois, and yolk.
- The Amnion layer is present in animals and mammals but not seen in amphibians and fishes. In comparison, the Chorion layer is present in humans and reptiles.
Comparison Between Amnion and Chorion
| Parameters Of Comparison | Amnion | Chorion |
| World of Nature | Amnion is the thin sac of membrane present during a women’s pregnancy that protects the embryo. | The chorion is the outer layer that covers the Amnion layer and other membranes surrounding the embryo. |
| Occurrence | The Amnion layer is present in animal mammals but not seen in amphibians. | The chorion layer is present in humans and reptiles. |
| Purpose | Amnion protects the embryo and provides nourishment for the fetus. | The chorion layer protects the embryo and other surrounding membranes of the embryo. |
| Composition | Amnion consists of epithelial cells’ collagen membrane, Allantois, and yolk. | Chorion forms a tail-like structure called chorionic villi. |
| Function | Amnion protects the embryo and expands itself as the embryo grows bigger. | Chorionic sounds double the protection of the embryo, help with blood supply, and create a thin lining in a woman’s uterus. |