| the watery fluid in the amnion, in which the embryo is suspended. |
amniotic fluid n.
The fluid within the amnion that surrounds the fetus and protects it from injury.
amniotic fluid  (ām'nē-ŏt'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
The watery fluid within the amnion that surrounds the fetus. Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus from injury, allows movement, and helps to stabilize temperature. The composition of the fluid changes over the course of gestation. Initially, amniotic fluid is similar to maternal plasma. As the fetus develops, phospholipids originating from the lungs, fetal cells, lanugo, and urine are deposited in the fluid. |