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Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Complexities of Achilles Tendon Injuries — Research and Future Directions
Published on: October 27, 2023
Morphometric profile in foetuses and evolution of Achilles tendon
A Waśniewska1, Ł Olewnik2, M Polguj3
1Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. ania.wasniewska@gmail.com.
Insights
Fetal Achilles tendon (AT) size showed no significant correlation with sex or side. However, the soleus muscle (SM) tendon was longer in males during the third trimester of gestation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The Achilles tendon (AT) is crucial for ankle biomechanics and prone to injury.
- Understanding fetal AT morphometry is vital for clinical management, yet data is scarce.
- The AT originates from the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SM) muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphometry of the fetal Achilles tendon (AT), gastrocnemius (GM), and soleus (SM) muscles.
- To provide essential anatomical data on fetal tendon development.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 37 human fetuses (17 male, 20 female) aged 18-38 weeks gestation.
- Morphometric evaluation of the GM, SM, and AT.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between fetal sex or side and the size of the Achilles tendon (AT).
- A significant correlation was observed between sex and soleus muscle (SM) tendon length in the third trimester, with males exhibiting longer tendons.
- The SM muscle-to-tendon ratio was higher in females than males during the second trimester.
Conclusions:
- Fetal AT size is independent of sex and side, likely due to minimal prenatal muscle activity.
- Soleus muscle (SM) tendon length shows sex-related differences in late gestation.
Background:
The Achilles tendon (AT) develops from the merge of the tendinous part of the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SM) muscles. The AT is the structural base for the biomechanical work of the ankle joint. Understanding morphometry of the AT is crucial due to the tendon vulnerability to rupture and damage which requires further surgical repair and management. Despite its clinical significance, data concerning measurements of the AT in human foetuses are scare. The aim of our study was to assess the AT, GM and SM morphometry in human foetuses.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-seven spontaneously-aborted human foetuses (17 male, 20 female) aged 18-38 weeks of gestation were examined. The morphometry of the GM, SM and AT were evaluated.
Results:
No significant correlation between sex or side and size of the AT in human foetuses was observed. The only significant correlation was between sex and the length of the tendon of the SM; in 3rd trimester it was longer in male than in female. In 2nd trimester the SM muscle to tendon ratio was higher in female than in male.
Conclusions:
There was no significant correlation between sex or side and size of the AT in human foetuses, probably due to scant muscle load during prenatal period.
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