A call to standardize the nomenclature of human fetal membrane at the feto-maternal interface

Abstract

Despite being one of the largest intrauterine tissues in surface area, the fetal membrane that lines the intrauterine cavity is often overlooked, forgotten, or misidentified in clinical and basic science research. The feto-maternal interface is comprised of the fetal membrane (fetal component) and decidua parietalis (maternal component), which lines the intrauterine cavity and provides essential mechanical, immune, hormonal, and transport support to maintain pregnancy. Fetal membrane plays an important role in triggering and regulating labor via complex signaling cascades. Whilst several researchers have investigated the membranes world-wide, nomenclature remains inconsistent, leading to widespread ambiguity across inter-disciplinary disciplines involving science, bioengineering, and reproductive medicine. The ongoing confusion regarding its terminology, origins, structure, and function has resulted in several significant issues, including diagnostic errors and misrepresentation clinically, limitations and inaccuracies in scientific research, and regulatory and clinical miscommunication. Therefore, the Fetal Membrane Society (FMS) calls upon the field to standardize fetal membrane nomenclature, define its architecture, and summarize its region-specific differences to facilitate understanding of its biological role. Clear and consistent identification of the fetal membrane is essential in improving research accuracy, clinical outcomes, and effective communication within and between the medical and scientific communities.

Keywords: Amniochorionic membrane; Amnion; Chorioamniotic membrane; Chorion; Decidua; Extracellular matrix; Gestational membrane; Nomenclature.