Amnion

The amnion ( amnion Greek ), also called sheepskin which is the thin, avascular amnion innermost and therefore part of the amniotic sac of amniotes ( reptiles, birds and mammals). The chorion ( chorion ) forms the middle and the decidua ( Siebhaut ) the outer amnion. The area enclosed by the amnion cavity increases very rapidly during embryonic and finally surrounds all sides the fetus. Its fruit -sided, single-layered epithelium secretes amniotic fluid ( amniotic fluid ).

Diseases

• Amniotic band syndrome: tearing of the amnion with formation of fibrous bands which cut off the limbs of the unborn child during pregnancy and can then lead to malformations ( dysmelias ).
• Oligohydramnios: Too little amniotic fluid is present, which can lead to dysmelias.
• Polyhydramnios: Too much amniotic fluid is present.

Others

Amniotic membranes are transplanted for the treatment of surface defects on the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.