Elizabeth M. Ramsey

Elizabeth Mapelsden Ramsey, M.D. (17 February 1906 – 2 July 1993 ) was an American physician, placentologist, and embryologist known for pioneering the study of early human embryos and the structure and circulatory system of the placenta.

The "Yale Embryo" and the Carnegie Institution in Washington After graduation, Ramsey began a residency at Yale in pathology. During her first human autopsy, she discovered the previously unknown presence of a very early embryo. Later determined to be approximately 14 days old, it was one of the earliest embryos collected for study at the time. Indeed, one of Ramsey's colleagues doubted that it even was an embryo, instead believing the find was some kind of insect. Dr. Ramsey's work also revealed how trophoblastic cells spread along the inner wall of the placental arteries, in a frequently cited image, "like wax dripping down a candle."

Ramsey's work had significant implications for understanding the development of the placenta and problems with placental development, including placental abruption.

Works

The Placenta of Laboratory Animals and Man, New York, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975.

Placental Vasculature and Circulation: Anatomy, Physiology, Radiology, Clinical Aspects — Atlas and Textbook, with Martin W. Donner. Philadelphia, Saunders, 1980.

The Placenta : Human and Animal, New York, N.Y., Praeger, 1982.

Awards and appointments Elizabeth Ramsey received the following awards and appointments:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Distinguished Service Award American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Hall of Fame Society for Gynecological Investigation, Distinguished Scientist Award American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, Honorary Fellow Yale Medical School, Dean's Council National Symphony Orchestra, Board of Trustees National Cathedral Choral Society, Board Member