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XI-62 (5) Slide 106, Placenta (H&E). Medium power view of chorionic villi. The syncytiotrophoblast layer (heterochromatic nuclei) surrounds villi and constitutes the major element of maternal blood-placental barrier. Cytotrophoblasts may be seen underneath the syncytiotrophoblast layer. These have euchromatic nulei and pale-stailing cytoplasm. The cytotrophoblast layer is discontinuous in this slide, indicating the late stage of pregnancy. Fetal capillaries may be seen in your glass slides.