SPATIAL-TEMPORAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE THORACIC ORGANS AND STRUCTURES IN EARLY FETUSES

Abstract

By means of macroscopic and morphometric research methods topographical and anatomical features of some organs, blood vessels and nerves of the thoracic cavity in the early fetal period of human ontogenesis are described. Intensive development of the esophagus and trachea as well as an enlargement of the pulmonary porta and components of their roots have been found to develop intensively in 4 month fetuses. In most of the studied fetuses the trachea is located in median sagittal plane; the esophagus on the level of the thoracic vertebrae I-II is located in the median sagittal plane and below the body of the 2nd thoracic vertebra it shifts slightly to the left. Bifurcation of the trachea is on the level of the lower edge of the thoracic vertebra II. Bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk into the right and left pulmonary arteries is 1.52.5 mm below and to the left of the trachea bifurcation. The right pulmonary artery is longer and thicker than the corresponding left artery.