A A STUDY OF HISTOLOGY & HISTOGENESIS OF FETAL SPLEEN AT DIFFERENT GESTATIONAL AGES

Abstract

Introduction: The spleen is a largest collection of lymphoid tissue with peculiar anatomical and physiological features. Spleen plays an important role in fetal hematopoiesis and immunomodulation. The aim of the study is to perform detailed histological analysis of human fetal splenic specimens of various gestational ages and compare the findings with earlier studies.
 Material and Methods: The present study included 40 fetal cadaveric spleen and morphometric features i.e., weight was measured and the sections of the spleen were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and were observed under compound light microscope
 Results: In the present study the histology of spleens of prenatal group showed the well defined red pulp, venous sinusoids and diffusely spread lymphocytes at 18 weeks of gestation and the organization of lymphoid follicles was noticed at 24-28 weeks. At 32 weeks well defined white pulp was observed and the microscopic architecture of the spleen was similar to the histology of adult spleen.
 Conclusion: A detailed knowledge of splenic morphometric dimensions, Histology and Histogenesis is crucial in deciphering the role of spleen in fetal development and fetal wellbeing.
 Key words: spleen, hematopoietic, microscopic, fetal