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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Culturing and Measuring Fetal and Newborn Murine Long Bones
Published on: April 26, 2019
Lung growth and development
Suchita Joshi1, Sailesh Kotecha
1Department of Child Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Insights
Human lung development involves complex stages influenced by various factors. Fetal lung liquid and breathing are crucial, and understanding genetic factors aids in managing congenital abnormalities, though premature birth impacts lung growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human lung growth initiates in embryonic development and continues postnatally.
- Lung development is a complex process regulated by physical, environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors.
- Fetal lung liquid and breathing movements are critical determinants of lung growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key factors and stages regulating human lung growth.
- To discuss the insights gained from animal studies and genetic research.
- To highlight the impact of premature birth on lung development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on human and animal lung development.
- Analysis of factors influencing lung growth stages.
- Examination of genetic contributions and clinical implications.
Main Results:
- Fetal lung liquid and breathing are paramount for lung growth.
- Animal models (sheep, rat) provide valuable insights into growth regulation.
- Genetic research aids in understanding and managing congenital lung abnormalities.
- Premature birth remains a significant risk factor for impaired lung growth.
Conclusions:
- Human lung growth is a multifaceted process with critical prenatal determinants.
- Understanding genetic and environmental influences is key to addressing lung development disorders.
- Advances in perinatal care are crucial, but premature birth poses ongoing challenges to optimal lung growth.
Abstract:
Human lung growth starts as a primitive lung bud in early embryonic life and undergoes several morphological stages which continue into postnatal life. Each stage of lung growth is a result of complex and tightly regulated events governed by physical, environmental, hormonal and genetic factors. Fetal lung liquid and fetal breathing movements are by far the most important determinants of lung growth. Although timing of the stages of lung growth in animals do not mimic that of human, numerous animal studies, mainly on sheep and rat, have given us a better understanding of the regulators of lung growth. Insight into the genetic basis of lung growth has helped us understand and improve management of complex life threatening congenital abnormalities such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and pulmonary hypoplasia. Although advances in perinatal medicine have improved survival of preterm infants, premature birth is perhaps still the most important factor for adverse lung growth.
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