Study of ossification in long bones of aborted human fetuses of various weeks of gestation by Alcian blue stain

Abstract

Bone consists of bone cells and interstitial matrix, which is further divided into organic and inorganic. Four types of bone cells are present- osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes & osteoclasts. The bones are arranged in Haversian system or secondary osteons, which consists of central Haversian canal surrounded by concentric lamellae of bony tissue. These Haversian canals or the canals of Havers are in direct communication with medullary cavity also communicate with the surface of bone via Volkmann’s canal. Bone ossification in human foetuses is not widely studied. The information on primates is considered for comparison. In the present study attempts have been made to study the long bone ossification pattern in aborted human foetus between gestational ages 10 weeks to 32 weeks of gestation by Alcian Blue stain. The stages of cartilage transformation to bones are seen in six stages. The present study was aimed to evidence the human foetus long bones ossification at various weeks of gestation. The emanated information may enrich the existing global information on human foetuses ossification. From each foetus of different gestational weeks longitudinal and transverse sections of 7 long bones (clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula) were taken into study. All of them were stained by Alcian Blue stain. Keywords: Osteoprogenitor cells, Osteoblasts, Alcian Blue, Haversian canal, Volkmann’s canal.