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Early human hand morphology: an estimation of fetal age
Early Human Development
|February 1, 1984
Insights
This study details fetal hand development from 6 to 14 weeks of gestation. Three distinct phases were identified based on surface features: shape, creases, and ridges.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryology
- Human anatomy
Background:
- Understanding fetal development is crucial for diagnosing congenital anomalies.
- Detailed morphological studies provide insights into normal embryogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distinct morphological phases of human fetal hand development.
- To establish a timeline for key surface feature emergence during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine fetal hand specimens.
- Detailed surface feature analysis was conducted on hands from 6 to 14 weeks of gestation.
Main Results:
- Three distinct phases of fetal hand morphogenesis were identified.
- Phase 1 (6-10 weeks): characterized by overall hand shape development.
- Phase 2 (10-13 weeks): marked by the appearance of epidermal creases.
- Phase 3 (13+ weeks): distinguished by the emergence of epidermal ridges (fingerprints).
Conclusions:
- Fetal hand development progresses through identifiable morphological stages.
- SEM provides valuable high-resolution detail for studying embryogenesis.
- The established timeline aids in understanding normal and potentially abnormal hand development.
Abstract:
Fetal hand morphogenesis was studied between 6 and 14 weeks of gestation by scanning electron microscopy. Detailed observations of surface features allowed three individualized phases of hand development to be distinguished, related to the shape (6 to 10 weeks), to the appearance of creases (10 to 13 weeks) and of ridges (13 weeks onwards).