Anatomical-functional and pathological aspects of the mechanisms of interaction of the mother - placenta - fetus system

In recent decades, there has been a significant breakthrough in studying the embryonic and fetal periods of human development. This achievement was made possible by introducing the latest technologies, such as ultrasound scanners, computed tomography scanners, and genetic analysis methods. The expanded capabilities allow for a more detailed study of fetal development, detecting abnormalities in the formation of organs and timely response to possible pathologies, which opens up new horizons for fetal surgery and perinatal medicine. The aim of the study was to examine modern sources of literature and systematize disparate and insufficiently organized theoretical information on the mechanisms of integration of the functional system "mother - placenta - fetus", the boundaries of the external environment surrounding the fetus, and also to assess the prospects for treating the fetus as a full-fledged patient. According to modern ideas, the first anatomical and functional complex in the "mother - fetus" system is formed between the vessels of the endometrium and the blastocyst, in the creation of which progesterone plays a key role. In the processes of implantation and placentation, synchronization between the preparation of the blastocyst and the endometrium is critically important. Complete integration of the maternal and fetal organisms becomes possible only after the formation of the placenta. The Amsterdam Working Group divides pathological conditions of the placenta into four main categories: maternal vasculopathy of pregnancy, fetal vasculopathy, infections, and inflammations, including chorioamnionitis and placentitis, and other pathological conditions, such as placental abnormalities, chronic inflammatory processes or implantation disorders. The authors declare no conflict of interest.