Method of Macromicroscopic Preparation for Determination of Fetal Anatomical Variability of the Thoracic Part of the Aorta

Abstract

To obtain data about the formation of fetal macroscopic structure and topography of the thoracic part of the aorta, which can be used for age-related mapping, it is necessary to determine a standard sequence of steps during the preparation of these structures. The purpose of the study was to determine the method of the best rational sequence of actions during the preparation of areas of the posterior mediastinum in human fetuses to obtain standard results, useful for comparing in the age aspect. Materials and methods. The study was performed on 35 human fetuses of 4-10 months by macromicroscopic preparation of organs, vessels, and nerves of the posterior mediastinum. Results and discussion. In the study of fetal anatomical variability of branches and nerves of the thoracic aorta in the age aspect, the algorithm of anatomical preparation of the posterior mediastinum becomes a priority. However, in the literary sources available to us, we did not find information about the sequence of actions during the preparation of the posterior mediastinum, including the thoracic aorta in human fetuses. The innervation of the thoracic part of aorta on both sides mainly involves the branches of the II-VI thoracic nodes of the sympathetic trunk, the great visceral nerve, and the branch of the vagus nerve. Adherence to the following sequence of actions during the preparation of the posterior mediastinum, and in particular, the branches and nerves of the thoracic aorta, in human fetuses, provides not only the scientific value of the results but also the rational use of biological material. Conclusion. The proposed and tested method of dissection of nerves, visceral and parietal branches of the thoracic aorta in human fetuses provides a standard for obtaining data about their typical, individual, and age anatomical variability. The innervation of the thoracic aorta mainly involves the branches of the II-VI thoracic nodes of the sympathetic trunk, the great visceral nerve, and the branch of the vagus nerve. Nerve branches leading to the thoracic aorta from various sources enter its wall either together with blood vessels or in isolation. In human fetuses, between the right and left sympathetic trunks and the thoracic part of the aorta, in addition to the intermediate plexus or collateral trunk, a paraaortic plexus is found, the branches of which participate in the innervation of the thoracic aorta. Bilateral asymmetry of the structure and topography of the plexuses of the thoracic aorta was detected. The sequence of actions used during the preparation of the thoracic aorta in human fetuses preserves the natural appearance and relationships between the branches and nerves of the object of the study