In the case of placenta percreta, what does the placenta invade?

Placenta percreta is a serious condition characterized by the abnormal adherence and invasion of the placenta not only into the uterine muscle (myometrium) but also extending beyond it. This condition typically signifies that the placenta has penetrated through the entire thickness of the uterine wall and potentially invades adjacent tissues or organs, such as the bladder or rectum.

In this context, the correct understanding of placenta percreta encompasses the severity of its invasion, emphasizing that it reaches beyond just the uterus, which is critical for identifying and managing this condition effectively. This differentiates it from other types of placental abnormalities like placenta accreta or placenta increta, where the invasion is limited to different depths within the uterine structure.