PURPOSE: It is still unclear whether the longitudinal anal muscles or conjoint longitudinal coats (CLCs) are attached to the vagina, although such an attachment, if present, would appear to make an important contribution to the integrated supportive system of the female pelvic floor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin, we examined semiserial frontal sections of 1) eleven female late-stage fetuses at 28-37 weeks of gestation, 2) two female middle-stage fetus (2 specimens at 13 weeks), and, 3) six male fetuses at 12 and 37 weeks as a comparison of the morphology. RESULTS: In late-stage female fetuses, the CLCs consistently (11/11) extended into the subcutaneous tissue along the vaginal vestibule on the anterior side of the external anal sphincter. Lateral to the CLCs, the external anal sphincter also extended anteriorly toward the vaginal side walls. The anterior part of the CLCs originated from the perimysium of the levator ani muscle without any contribution of the rectal longitudinal muscle layer. However, in 2 female middle-stage fetuses, smooth muscles along the vestibulum extended superiorly toward the levetor ani sling. In male fetuses, the CLCs were separated from another subcutaneous smooth muscle along the scrotal raphe (posterior parts of the dartos layer) by fatty tissue. CONCLUSION: In terms of topographical anatomy, the female anterior CLCs are likely to correspond to the lateral extension of the perineal body (a bulky subcutaneous smooth muscle mass present in adult women), supporting the vaginal vestibule by transmission of force from the levator ani.
Anal Canal/*anatomy & histology/embryology ; Female ; Fetus/anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth/*anatomy & histology/embryology ; Pelvic Floor/anatomy & histology ; Sex Characteristics ; Vagina/*anatomy & histology/embryology

PURPOSE: We recently demonstrated the morphology of the anococcygeal ligament. As the anococcygeal ligament and raphe are often confused, the concept of the anococcygeal raphe needs to be re-examined from the perspective of fetal development, as well as in terms of adult morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the horizontal sections of 15 fetuses as well as adult histology. From cadavers, we obtained an almost cubic tissue mass containing the dorsal wall of the anorectum, the coccyx and the covering skin. Most sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson-trichrome solution. RESULTS: The adult ligament contained both smooth and striated muscle fibers. A similar band-like structure was seen in fetuses, containing: 1) smooth muscle fibers originating from the longitudinal muscle coat of the anal canal and 2) striated muscle fibers from the external anal sphincter (EAS). However, in fetuses, the levator ani muscle did not attach to either the band or the coccyx. Along and around the anococcygeal ligament, we did not find any aponeurotic tissue with transversely oriented fibers connecting bilateral levator ani slings. Instead, in adults, a fibrous tissue mass was located at a gap between bilateral levator ani slings; this site corresponded to the dorsal side of the ligament and the EAS in the immediately deep side of the natal skin cleft. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that a classically described raphe corresponds to the specific subcutaneous tissue on the superficial or dorsal side of the anococcygeal ligament.
Aged, 80 and over ; Anal Canal/*anatomy & histology/embryology ; *Cadaver ; Female ; *Fetus ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth/*anatomy & histology/embryology ; Rectum/*anatomy & histology/embryology

The X-ray synchrotron is quite different from conventional radiation sources. This technique may expand the capabilities of conventional radiology and be applied in novel manners for special cases. To evaluate the usefulness of X-ray synchrotron radiation systems for real time observations, mouse fetal skeleton development was monitored with a high resolution X-ray synchrotron. A non-monochromatized X-ray synchrotron (white beam, 5C1 beamline) was employed to observe the skeleton of mice under anesthesia at embryonic day (E)12, E14, E15, and E18. At the same time, conventional radiography and mammography were used to compare with X-ray synchrotron. After synchrotron radiation, each mouse was sacrificed and stained with Alizarin red S and Alcian blue to observe bony structures. Synchrotron radiation enabled us to view the mouse fetal skeleton beginning at gestation. Synchrotron radiation systems facilitate real time observations of the fetal skeleton with greater accuracy and magnification compared to mammography and conventional radiography. Our results show that X-ray synchrotron systems can be used to observe the fine structures of internal organs at high magnification.
Animals ; Bone and Bones/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Female ; Fetus/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Histocytochemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Pregnancy ; Synchrotrons ; X-Rays

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide better understanding as to how the "double" vascular arcades, in contrast to other intestinal marginal vessels, develop along the right margin of the pancreatic head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In human fetuses between 8-30 weeks, we described the topographical anatomy of the vessels, bile duct, duodenum as well as the ventral and dorsal primordia of the pancreatic head with an aid of pancreatic polypeptide immunohisto-chemistry. RESULTS: The contents of the hepatoduodenal ligament crossed the superior side of the pylorus. Moreover, the right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery ran along the superior aspect of the pancreatic head. An arterial arcade, corresponding to the posterior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, encircled the superior part of the pancreatic head, whereas another arcade, corresponding to the anterior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, surrounded the inferior part. The dorsal promordium of the pancreas surrounded and/or mixed the ventral primordium at 13-16 weeks. Thus, both arterial arcades were likely to attach to the dorsal primordium. CONCLUSION: The fetal anatomy of the pancreaticoduodenal vascular arcades as well as that of the hepatoduodenal ligament were quite different from adults in topographical relations. Thus, in the stage later than 30 weeks, further rotation of the duodenum along a horizontal axis seemed to be required to move the pylorus posterosuperiorly and to reflect the superior surface of the pancreatic head posteriorly. However, to change the topographical anatomy of the superior and inferior arterial arcades into the final position, re-arrangement of the pancreatic parenchyma might be necessary in the head.
Arteries/*embryology ; Duodenum/anatomy & histology/*blood supply/*embryology ; Female ; Fetus/*blood supply ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Pancreas/anatomy & histology/*blood supply/*embryology ; Pregnancy

Background: Down syndrome is a developmental disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. It affects about 1 in every 700 babies. The fetus having high risk for Down syndrome (OS) can be detected early by ultrasound. Objectives: The aim of the study is to find out some ultrasound markers that relate to OS fetus. Subjects and method: A descriptive study was carried out on 612 pregnant women with fetus \ufffd?12 weeks by ultrasound to detect abnormal markers in fetus. The fetus were diagnosed Down syndrome by analysis chromosome from amniocyte and monitor up to the neonate. Then, finding out association between OS fetus and ultrasound markers. Results: Among 612 pregnant women,36/12 pregnant women had abnormal imaging in fetus, 11/12 pregnant women had OS fetus. There were 12 pregnant women detected OS fetus. 6/12 OS fetus associated with the maker of nuchal skin fold (cut off 2: 3mm at the first trimester and 2: 6 mm at the second trimester): Detection rate (DR) was 50%; false positive rate (FOR): 0,83%. 3/12 OS fetus associated with the marker of duodenal atresia. DR was 25%; FOR: 0%. Conclusions: The two common markers associated with OS fetus: \r\n', u'the first marker was nuchal skin fold (with cut off 2: 3mm at the first trimester and > 6 mm at the second trimester) and the second marker was duodenal atresia. \r\n', u' \r\n', u'
Down Syndrome ; Fetus/ anatomy & ; histology ; abnormalities ; physiopathology ; ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo assess the state of the art of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in China.

DATA SOURCESBoth Chinese and English language literatures were searched in the databases of PUBMED (1998-2005) and CNKI (1998-2005), 41 published articles about fetal MRI were selected.

RESULTSFetal MRI can serve as an adjunct tool for ultrasonography because of its excellent soft tissue contrast, high spatial resolution, multiplanar capabilities, large field of view and simultaneous visualization of fetal and maternal structures. Since the development of ultrafast MRI sequences provides faster scan time and avoids motion artifacts, it is widely applied in detecting normal or abnormal fetal development, including the central nervous system, thoracic region, abdomen and others. In China, experience in fetal MRI has been scanty, but the technique will be extensively used in the near future because of its multi-faceted advantages.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with ultrasonography, MRI as a complementary imaging for fetal screening is prospective in China or other parts of the world because of its multiple superiorities.

Abdomen ; abnormalities ; embryology ; Cell Movement ; Central Nervous System ; abnormalities ; embryology ; Congenital Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; Female ; Fetus ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Myelin Sheath ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Thorax ; abnormalities ; embryology

12.127 pregnant women underwent an 3D-ultrasound examination in MEDIC from January 2001 to September 2002. 60 cases of fetal morphological abnormality were detected. These abnormalities were as follows: 15/60 anencephaly, 16/60 labial clef with or without palatine cleft, 7/60 lymphangioma in head and neck, 7/60 omphalocele, 4/60 meningocele, 4/60 laparochisis, 14/60 abnormalities of bone, 1/60 siamese brothers.
Pregnant women ; Diagnosis/anatomy & histology ; Data Collection ; Fetus ; Ultrasonics

Intestinal villi morphology in 2.5 to 6.5 month old fetus is studied with scanning electronic Microscopy (SEM). Results show that original form of intestinal villi is finger or cone shape without cross sulci on surface and tip sudden. The big finger forms are divided into small size or leaf shape. Cross sulci and tip sunder are appeared on appeared on intestinal villi in six month old fetus. After delivery, surface of intestinal villi is changed very little.
Microscopy ; Anatomy & histology ; Fetus

Nonvisualized, dilated or even a small fetal stomach can be associated with a variety of anomalies and poor fetal outcome. Therefore, we attempted to evaluate the stomach circumference (SC)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio to assess normal limits of fetal stomach size. A total of 363 fetuses ranging from 15 to 39 weeks' gestation were prospectively evaluated with ultrasonography. The SC was measured from a plane that is perpendicular to the fetal longitudinal axis at the level where the largest axial circumference of the stomach was obtained using a digitizer. The AC was also measured at the same section and the ratio was calculated by dividing the SC by the AC and multiplying by 100. The SC increased linearly from 15 to 24 weeks and showed fluctuations in size thereafter to 39 weeks. A strong correlation was noted between gestational age and both SC (r: 0.842, P <0.0001) and AC (r: 0.975, P <0.0001). The SC/AC ratio was normally distributed with a mean of 20.4 +/- 3.9% and ranged between 14.8% and 27.03% throughout pregnancy (r: 0.021, P > 0.05). Although the fetal stomach is a dynamically changing organ, the SC/AC ratio can be considered as a potentially useful parameter in assessing fetal stomach size.
Abdomen/embryology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fetal Development/physiology ; Fetus/anatomy & histology* ; Gestational Age ; Human ; Prospective Studies ; Stomach/embryology* ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

The presence of elastin layers in the aortic walls of twelve human fetuses was confirmed with scanning electron microscope pictures after hot alkali treatment and histochemical examination. In addition, the number of elastin layers in aortic walls of 5 different segments were compared in fetuses of varying ages. Aldehyde fuchsin stained slides of elastin ascending aortas showed a range between 27 and 55 layers of elastin in fetuses of 8 weeks to 32 weeks. However, in the lower abdominal aortas, elastin layers decreased from 28 to only 3 layers for fetuses of the same age. Furthermore, as elastin layers decreased from ascending aorta to abdominal aorta with the progression of fetal life, similar changes in the elastin lamellae were observed. These results suggest that while aortas grow rapidly in length, the medial elastin thickens slowly, perhaps due to slow development of hydrodynamic forces and pressures. Also the adventitial elastin appears to lose out gradually along the length from ascending aorta to abdominal aorta.
Aorta/*embryology/metabolism/ultrastructure ; Elastin/*metabolism ; Fetus/anatomy & histology/*metabolism/physiology ; Human