Topographic and Anatomic Patterns of Thymus and Spleen Formation in the Intermediate Fetal Period

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to study the morphometric characteristics and topography of human thymus and spleen in the intermediate fetal period of ontogenesis. Materials and methods. Study of the projection anatomy of the thymus and spleen using the method of describing the quantitative topography of organs was performed on 100 human fetuses of both sexes at the 16-22nd weeks of gestation. NI Pirogov cutting methods in 3 perpendicular planes, macro- and microscopic preparation and histotopographic sections were used. Results. The increase in the length of the thymus and spleen correlates with changes in the parietal-coccyx fetal size and distances from the spinal column, which determines the characteristic of morphofunctional relationships between the organs of the lymphoid system. Conclusions. Dynamic changes in the morphometric parameters of the thymus and spleen are observed during the 16-22^th weeks of ontogeny which is explained by the formation of their topography and anatomy.