[Scanning electron microscopical study of trachea vasculature in the human fetus]

The microvasculature of the human fetal trachea was studied in vascular casts viewed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The trachea is supplied by longitudinal vascular bundles running at both sides of the organ, including both longitudinal tracheoesophageal arteries and veins. They are the source of the segment vascularization of the trachea. Due to numerous arteriovenous anastomoses and anastomoses occurring within respective arterious and venous vascular systems, a constant blood flow within submucous capillary plexus and the tracheal wall is provided. A characteristic feature of tracheal vascularization is a very rich, dense network of vein.