1. Health

Chorionic Villi

From , former About.com Guide

Updated March 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Chorionic Villi

Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test that can diagnose chromosome disorders as early as the late first trimester.

Image © A.D.A.M.
Definition:

Chorionic villi are finger-like projections on the edge of the placenta that faces the uterine wall. The prenatal test known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) involves taking a sample from the chorionic villi to analyze the developing baby's DNA.

Also Known As: chorionic villus (singular)
Common Misspellings: choronic villi, chronic villi

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.