By the end of mitotic metaphase, the condensed chromosomes #1, #2, consisting of intertwined sister chromatids are settled along the equator of the cell (approximately in the center of the cytoplasm). The chromosome arms have a radial direction so that the totality of the set looks like a star. All the few organelles of the epithelial cell (mitochondria, lysosomes, membrane cisterns with vesicles, and remnants of the nuclear envelope, of endoplasmic reticulum, and of Golgi apparatus) are pushed to the cell periphery. Then, these structures are fused (joining the cell membrane) in early telophase, thereby enlarging the cleavage furrow; this is cytokinesis. In advanced metaphase, the central area of the cytoplasm is occupied by a system of microtubules constituting the mitotic spindle. There are some clear spaces with a moderately electron-dense material; these are lakes of glycogen.

Cells of the cytotrophoblast are embryonic epithelial cells. Together with a peripheral cell stratum called syncytiotrophoblast, they form the trophoblast, which is an important operating part of future placental villi. Like other epithelial cells, these ones are attached to the basement membrane and are connected by numerous desmosomes #1, #2, #3.