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Morphology of umbilical vessels in human fetuses: a quantitative light microscope study
M A Malas1, O Sulak, A Gökçimen
1Department of Anatomy, Süleyman Demirel University, Medical Faculty, Isparta, Turkey. mamalas@hotmail.com
European Journal of Morphology
|October 19, 2005
Summary
This study examined human fetal umbilical vessels, revealing correlations between gestational age and vessel size. These findings aid in identifying umbilical vessel pathologies and related syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Fetal Development
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- The intra-abdominal course of umbilical vessels is crucial for fetal development.
- Understanding normal development aids in diagnosing congenital anomalies.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed quantitative changes throughout gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological development of intra-abdominal umbilical vessels in human fetuses.
- To establish quantitative parameters of umbilical vessels across different gestational ages.
- To correlate these parameters with fetal development stages.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy examination of 90 human fetuses (10-40 weeks gestational age).
- Measurement of external and lumen diameters, wall thickness, tunica adventitia, tunica media, and vasa vasorum.
- Analysis of cross-sections of the intra-abdominal umbilical vessels.
Main Results:
- Umbilical artery agenesis noted in three fetuses.
- Significant positive correlation between gestational age and umbilical vessel dimensions.
- Distinct quantitative differences observed in vessel and lumen diameters, and wall thicknesses between trimesters and between umbilical vein and arteries.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative data on umbilical vessel parameters across gestation are essential.
- This information can assist in diagnosing umbilical vessel pathologies.
- Findings may contribute to understanding certain fetal syndromes.