A morphometric study of prenatal development of the human larynx.

INTRODUCTION: Precise knowledge of the anatomy and development of the airways in the fetus is needed for advances in neonatal medicine. The aim of this study was to assess the morphometry of the larynx during fetal development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 47 human fetal larynges (27 male and 20 female) collected between the age of 13-27 weeks of intrauterine life according to Pineau and preserved in 10% buffered formalin. Five measurements of each larynx were performed: total height of the larynx, height of the anterior wall, height of the posterior wall of the larynx, sagittal diameter of the aperture of the larynx, and external sagittal diameter of the cricoid cartilage. Correlations between the results and crown-rump (C-R) length of human fetuses in relation to gender were analyzed. The percentage ratio of laryngeal length to C-R length in subsequent weeks of the fetal period and in relation to gender was determined. RESULTS: Dimensions of the larynx were found to correlate with crown-rump length. Mean lengths of the larynx were greater in male than in female fetuses at some stages of development. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound dimensions of the larynx are greater than dimensions found during postmortem examinations.

Analysis of the correlation between the ostium surface area and divergence angles of coronary arteries and type of coronary circulation, heart dimensions and sex.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyse the correlation between the diameter and divergence angles of coronary arteries and type of coronary circulation, heart. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 102 human hearts (59 male and 43 female). The coronary arteries and veins and the ascending aorta were filled with Polimal epoxide resin. Soft tissues were dissolved with hydrochloric acid after solidification of the resin. The specimens were measured for divergence angles of the coronary arteries. Correlations between vessel divergence angle, coronary circulation type, and heart size were analysed in the casts. RESULTS: Data analysis indicated a greater diameter of the left coronary artery in both sexes, and in the co-dominant and left-dominant coronary circulation type. CONCLUSION: No correlations between divergence angles of coronary vessels and gender or coronary circulation type were found.

[Morphometric study of the left coronary artery]. / Lewa tetnica wiencowa--badania morfometryczne.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of morphometric studies of the left coronary artery is based on one or a few dimensions. The present study was undertaken to measure the dimensions of the left coronary artery, as well as to determine correlations of diameter, length, and divergence angles with heart size and gender. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 102 human hearts (59 male and 43 female). True casts of coronary vessels were obtained using epoxide resins. Specimens were measured for left coronary artery dimensions and heart dimensions. RESULTS: The left coronary artery always branched off the left sinus of aorta. It divided into three branches in 7% of cases. The length of the anterior descending branch depended on the volume index of the heart. Gender was without significant effect on the dimensions of the left coronary artery. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dimorphism of the left coronary artery is weak and is not significant in most cases. The length of the anterior descending branch correlates with the volume index of the heart.

X-ray evaluation of symmetry development of human metatarsal bones in different periods of fetal life.

BACKGROUND: Symmetry and asymmetry have intrigued people for centuries. Most studies are based on adult specimens, and there are few asymmetry studies carried out on children and fetuses. The aim of this study was an x-ray evaluation of the asymmetry of human metatarsal bones in different periods of fetal life. MATERIAL/METHODS: The material consisted of 36 fetuses (18 male, 18 female). The fetuses were preserved in 10% formalin and the metatarsal bones were subsequently x-rayed in the A-P projection. Total area and length of the metatarsal bones were measured. The fetuses were divided into three groups according to fetal age calculated by measurement of the crown-rump length (CRL) and total length using the Scammon and Calkins methods. The results were put into tables which show which side of a sample bone pair is larger. RESULTS: Structural asymmetry in fetal metatarsal bones on the right and left side was found. In the younger group, the character of the asymmetry fluctuated. A clear one-sided domination in all metatarsal bones appeared only in the oldest group (over 26 gestational weeks). CONCLUSIONS: These result demonstrate that such asymmetry forms and matures during ontogenesis, similarly to other systems and organs.

Morphometrical studies of posterior fontanel in different periods of foetal life.

PURPOSE: There are 6 fontanels in the newborn's skull. Scientists have been mainly interested in the development of anterior fontanel in foetus and newborn. There are no researches about the development of posterior fontanel. The aim of our study was to estimate the size of posterior fontanel in different periods of foetal life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out 71 human foetuses of age 15-29 Hbd, which were preserved in 10% formalin. The width and length of posterior fontanel and the length, width and circumference of foetuses' heads were measured. All data were analysed statistically. RESULTS: The width and length of posterior fontanel increases up to 25 Hbd, and it decreases afterwards. The ratio of posterior fontanel's length to the length of foetus' head shows the increase in the group of foetuses up to 25 Hbd, but the decrease in group of foetuses from 25-29 Hbd. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of posterior fontanel progress from single to complex stage may be used to form an opinion about normal or pathological development of human fetus's body such as metabolic disorder's of bone tissue.

[Szczecin's newborn infant--somatic state]. / Noworodek szczecinski--stan rozwoju fizycznego.

INTRODUCTION: Newborn's weight and correlated with it size parameters are subject to continuous fluctuations. According to Penrose, it depends on the external factors in 62%. Socioeconomic mother's condition of living is the most important factor. The study aimed at assessing the somatic state of newborn infants born in the Regional Hospital in Police. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research material consisted of the measurements of newborn infants born in Police hospital's maternity ward in 2005. The measurements of 738 newborns have been carried out - 374 girls and 364 boys, who were born after normal and unifetal pregnancy. The mass and length of body as well as the circumferance of head and chest have been measured. The data have been statystically analyzed. RESULTS: The research confirmed the observed sexual dimorphism in the average weight of a newborn infant at birth. Male newborn infants are significantly heavier than the female ones. Newborn infants born in the third quarter attained the largest birth parameters. The largest number of deliveries occurred in winter months. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that regional monitoring of newborn infant genotypic variation should be carried out in order to develop regional standards allowing for climatic variation.

Development of the human eyeball and orbit during the fetal life.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to describe the development of the human eyeball and orbit during fetal life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen human fetuses (36 eyes and 36 orbits) with gestational age ranging from 17 to 28 weeks were examined. Fetuses died in the first hours of life due to immaturity and did not reveal any developmental anomalies. The axial and equatorial diameters of the eyeballs as well as the depth and width of the orbits were measured. The data was analyzed statistically with Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: It was found that the axial length (p < 0.005) and equatorial diameter (p < 0.001) of the eyeballs, as well as the depth (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.001) of the orbit increase with age. Furthermore, growth of the axial length of the eye is paralleled by increase in orbital depth (p < 0.001) while growth of the equatorial diameter coincides with increasing orbital width (p < 0.001). It was ascertained that growth of the human eye during fetal life is correlated with growth of the orbit.

The ossification of the metacarpal and phalangeal bones in human foetuses.

An evaluation was made of the ossification level of the metacarpal and phalangeal bones in human foetuses of both sexes from the 4th to the 9th month of gestation. Our results indicate that ossification of phalangeal bones 1 to 5 always started at the distal end of the phalanx and endochondral ossification prevailed in the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

An evaluation of selected human eye dimensions at different periods of the foetal life.

In the course of myopia many anatomical changes in the structure of the eyeball take place. These changes surface during early childhood. It is unclear if these changes form during the stage of foetal life. The aim of the paper was to examine whether changes which predestine to the formation of myopia occur during the prenatal period. 26 eyeballs of humans aged between 4 and 8 months of foetal life, fixed in a 10% solution of formalin were examined. The axial, equatorial and corneal dimensions were measured with Vernier calipers. The data were elaborated statistically by the Student t test, the significance level being p < 0.05. It was observed that in the course of maturation the axial length, equatorial and corneal diameter of the foetal eye increase. It was also observed that the dimensions of the eyeball expand symmetrically in all directions. This indicates that there is no predisposition to the development of myopia in the period of prenatal life.

Asymmetry of the ovale and spinous foramina in mediaeval and contemporary skulls in radiological examinations.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the morphology and asymmetry of the ovale and spinous foramina. Examinations were carried out on 102 mediaeval and 85 contemporary male skulls. In both groups there predominated individuals who had died at mature (maturus) and adult (adultus) age. Radiological images in occipital projection were used in the study. Areas of the foramina ovale, distances between both openings and the distance from the midline running through the middle of the occipital foramen were calculated by means of PC software. The spinal foramen area could not be measured because of the too small surface accessible to the PC software used in our study. Correlation between the above measurements and cranial indexes (width-length and height-length) were calculated. Significant variety of the ovale and spinous foramina in size, shape, relation to each other and to the midline were analysed. Asymmetry of structure and location was observed in both examined groups of skulls. No cases of the lack of the ovale and spinous foramina were stated.

Prenatal development of the human trachea.

The tracheas of 46 human foetuses were examined: 26 male, 20 female with C-R length of 99-255 mm. The analysis of the total length of the trachea was carried out and its transverse dimension was presented on three levels: on the first tracheal cartilage, in the mid-length of the trachea, and at the bifurcation into the main bronchi; also the proportions between these dimensions and the C-R length were analysed. The length of the trachea was measured in a straight line--from the end of larynx to the bifurcation of the trachea. Comparing tracheas to a tunnel with two openings, it was observed that the transverse dimension, the "laryngeal", is greater than the "bronchial"--in the case of smaller foetuses by 2 mm, but in foetuses with C-R length of over 250 mm by 1 mm. Moreover, no significant differences between male and female sex were noticed. All the measurements were taken with the use of a slide caliper. The results should be useful in the detection of abnormalities in the structure of the trachea, in problems with respiratory physiology and in endotracheal intubation, endoscopy or tracheostomy.

[Arteries of the hilum and parenchymal part of the ovary in reproductive age in microangiographic studies]. / Naczynia tetnicze wneki i miazszu jajnika u kobiet w wieku rozrodczym w badaniach mikroangiograficznych.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of ours research was to recognize the arterial system of female ovaries in women in the reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was performed on 31 cases of organs taken from the minor pelvis, composing female genital organs, urinary bladder, rectum and the upper part of the vagina from women aged 15 to 40. The ovarian and the uterine arteries have been injected with fine-granular radiological contrast medium Hexabrix 200 and Ultravist 370. Global X-rays of the whole organs complex and the microangiography of the isolated uterine adnexa and ovarian glands scraps were made. RESULTS: In all the examined cases the main source of ovarian blood supply was the ovarian arch created by the ending of the ovarian artery and the ovarian branch of the uterine artery. A different number of branches of the main vessel of the ovarian arch were going into the hilum of the ovary gland. The arterial branches on all length of the ovarian arch have been disposed as a dense net. Nearly all vessels of the ovarian arcade after short course have been divided several times and finally a higher number of branches were getting into the parenchymal parts of the ovarian gland. The vessels of the parenchymal part have been arranged regularly in the middle of the gland from the hilum to the free edge. In ends and peripheral parts of the ovary gland the number of vessels were significantly reduced. There were singles thinly vessels with non-typical course only. CONCLUSIONS: The arteries of the uterine adnexa always come from two sources: ovarian artery and uterine artery, both are forming the ovarian arch. Arteries of ovarian medulla are running axially, from hilus to the free margin of the gland. The spiral arteries system of the gonad is uniform and dense in the middle part of the gland, peripheral parts of the ovary and the area of ends of the gonads have got poor vessel picture.

[Arteries of the uterine cervix in reproductive age in microangiographic studies]. / Naczynia tetnicze szyjki macicy u kobiet w wieku rozrodczym w badaniach mikroangiograficznych.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of our research was the estimation of cervical arteries in women in the reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was performed on 61 cases of organs taken, during autopsies, from the minor pelvis composing the female genital organs, urinary bladder, rectum and the upper part of the vagina from women aged 18 to 41. The material was divided in two groups: mothers and non mothers. The uterine arteries of a fresh specimen have been injected with radiological contrast medium Hexabrix 200 and Ultravist 370. The global X-rays of the organ complex and the microangiography of the uterine cervix were made. After that uterus was sectioned horizontally in sections of 4-5 mm thick and series of x-rays was performed. The number, size and way of uterine artery branches in the cervix were estimated. RESULTS: The cervical branches of the uterine artery were present in every cases. Usually branches were from 1 to 4 in number. All the branches were divided in cervical walls, very rich in upper and poorer in lower part of organ. Radiographic analysis revealed that connections between cervical vessels on both sides of the same uterus weren't permanent. Their absence was associated with the presence of the hypovascular or even avascular zone in the middle of the anterior and posterior cervical wall. CONCLUSION: The cervical branches of both uterine arteries are always present in the reproductive age, Number, size, course and way of cervical branches are different in all parts of the organ. The angioarchtectonic of cervical vessels does not depend on past pregnancies.