Introduction: This study provides a description of development of various components of the human ureter at different gestational ages. Methods:Measurements of the length of the ureter from pelvi-ureteric junction to vesico-ureteric junction, length of its intravesicular portion and angle made by the ureter at the entry into the bladder with respect to the internal ureteric orifice were taken. Transverse sections of the ureter were taken at the upper end, close to the pelvi-ureteric junction, and at the midpoint between the pelvis of the kidney and the vesico-ureteric junction. These were subjected for processing and stained with Haematoxylin Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome. They were then studied under the light microscope. Results: The length of the ureter from the pelvi-ureteric junction to the vesico-ureteric junction showed a highly positive correlation with the gestational age (GA). The angle of entry of the ureter to the bladder decreased as the GA increased. The microstructure of the ureter in both the sections showed development of transitional epithelium with an increase in layers by 33 weeks. At 18 weeks, the smooth muscle layer was in a single layer with an abundance of interspersed collagen fibers. By 33 weeks, the thickness of the wall increased significantly with a decrease in collagen. There was no trace of longitudinal muscle fibers even upto 33 weeks. Conclusion: Epithelial, muscular and connective tissue components displayed significant changes during intra uterine development.

The advancement of liposculpturing and fascial flaps in reconstructive surgery has renewed interest in the superficial fascia of abdomen. Its histological and biochemical composition may play a vital role in maintaining strength and elasticity of the fascia. Hence, study of abdominal fascia for the elastic, collagen, and hydroxyproline contents is desirable to understand asymmetrical bulges and skin folds and in improving surgical treatment of obesity. Samples of superficial fascia were collected from of upper and lower abdomen from 21 fresh cadavers (15 males and 6 females). Samples were stained using Verhoeff–Van Gieson stain. Digital images of superficial fascia were analyzed using TissueQuant software. The samples were also subjected to hydroxyproline estimation. The superficial fascia was formed by loosely packed collagen fibers mixed with abundant elastic fibers and adipose tissue. Elastic contents and collagen contents of superficial fascia were significantly more in the upper abdomen than that in the lower abdomen in males. Hydroxyproline content of superficial fascia of upper abdomen was significantly more than that of lower abdomen in both males and females. The elastic, collagen and hydroxyproline contents of superficial fascia of upper abdomen were higher compared to the lower abdomen. This may be a reason for asymmetric bulging over abdomen and more sagging fold of skin in the lower abdomen than in the upper abdomen. This study may therefore be helpful in finding new ways to manage obesity and other body contour deformities.
Abdomen ; Adipose Tissue ; Cadaver ; Collagen ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Elastic Tissue ; Elasticity ; Fascia* ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxyproline ; Male ; Obesity* ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Tissue