Foetal development of the pancreas.

In the present study, we aimed to gather morphometric data on the localisation and development of the pancreas during the foetal period. The study was carried out on 222 human foetuses aged 9-40 weeks of gestation with no external pathology or anomaly. The abdominal wall was dissected after general external measurements of the foetuses were carried out. Data on the localisation of the pancreas in the abdominal cavity and its localisation relative to the median plane, xiphoid process, and umbilicus were acquired and various morphometric parameters including the length of the pancreas and heights of the head and body of the pancreas were measured. It was found that, in the foetal period, the foetal pancreas was primarily accumulated on the transverse plane passing through the umbilicus, and on the other quadrants. Means and standard deviations of all morphometric parameters were calculated for each gestational week, month, and trimester. There were significant relations between the parameters and gestational age (p < 0.001). There were no differences in any of the parameters between sexes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, morphometric and location data on foetal pancreases acquired in the present study will contribute to other studies carried out in obstetrics, perinatology, forensic medicine, and foetal pathology departments, aimed at identifying anomalies, pathologies, and variations of the pancreas and treatment of such cases.

Development of the fetal duodenum: a postmortem study.

OBJECTIVE: To gather detailed morphometric data to be able to assess fetal development of the duodenum and its morphology. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was carried out on 222 human fetuses (114 males, 108 females) aged 9-40 weeks of gestation with no external pathology or anomaly. Fetuses were grouped based on gestational weeks, months and trimesters. Once general external measurements of the fetuses were carried out, the abdominal wall was dissected. The relationships between the duodenum and surrounding structures and its localization were determined. Morphometric data on height, width, length and diameters were gathered. FINDINGS: Means and standard deviations of all parameters were calculated for each gestational week, month and trimester. There were significant relations between measured parameters and gestational age (p < 0.001). There were no sex differences in parameters (p > 0.05). All data were compared with previous studies and discussed. CONCLUSION: Data obtained in this study will contribute to other studies carried out in obstetrics, perinatology, forensic medicine and fetal pathology departments, aimed at identifying anomalies, pathologies and variations of the duodenum and treatment of such cases.