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Reference.org
Decidua
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<p>The decidua is the modified <a href="/facts/Mucous_membrane/oIw0vyel">mucosal lining</a> of the <a href="/facts/Uterus/LIrApMXs">uterus</a> (that is, modified <a href="/facts/Endometrium/LcesXIXm">endometrium</a>) that forms every month, in preparation for <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a>. It is shed off each month when there is no fertilized egg to support. The decidua is under the influence of <a href="/facts/Progesterone/WEj2TGRm">progesterone</a>. Endometrial cells become highly characteristic. The decidua forms the maternal part of the <a href="/facts/Placenta/7XUoks1b">placenta</a> and remains for the duration of the pregnancy. After birth the decidua is shed together with the placenta. </p>