Anatomical development of the fetal uterus

• Published in: Early human development 2007-06, Vol.83 (6), p.395-401
• Main Authors: Sulak, O, Cosar, F, Malas, M.A, Cankara, N, Cetin, E, Tagil, S.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Biological and medical sciences; Body Weights and Measures; Development; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Female; Fetal Development - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Human fetus; Humans; Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine; Uterus; Uterus - anatomy & histology; Uterus - embryology
• ISSN: 0378-3782; 1872-6232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2006.08.007

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to gather data on the morphology of the uterus during its development, to provide detailed information regarding the neighboring structures and its variations using anatomical dissections. Study design Eighty uteri acquired from female fetuses aged 10–40 weeks of gestation were used in this study. Firstly, the relationship between the fetal uterus and the linea terminalis and the position of the uterus within the pelvic cavity was noted. Then the distance between the fundus of the uterus to the promontory and pubic symphysis were measured. Fetal uteri were classified according to their physical appearances. Finally the lengths of the corpus and cervix in three planes and the anteflexion angle were measured. Results During the fetal period, the fundus of the uterus was above the linea terminalis in 94% and below it in 6% of the cases. The distance between the fundus of the uterus and the promontory significantly correlated with the distance between the fundus of the uterus and the pubic symphysis ( p < 0.001). This was true for the correlation between the gestational age and the orthogonal lengths of the uterine corpus and cervix ( p < 0.001). As the gestational age advanced, the anteflexion angle was noted to reduce from 177° to 120°. The shape of the uterus was either cylindrical, pear-shaped, heart-shaped or hourglass-shaped during the fetal period. Condensation We believe that the data obtained through dissections of the human fetuses in this study will help identifying uterine developmental variations, anomalies and pathologies and will contribute to the studies carried out in obstetrics, perinatology, forensic medicine and fetal pathology departments.