NJBMS - Volume 8, Issue 2, October - December 2017
Pages: 65-76
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Morphological and Histological Study of Human Foetal Thymus Gland
Author: Vijaya Ramanathan, Sreelekha Dorairaj
Category: Anatomy
Abstract:Background: There is typical involution of thymus gland due to steroid mediated immune response in many intrauterine infections. A simple study of morphology and histology of foetal thymus gland at different gestational age can help us identify these diseases early.
Materials and Methodology: Thirteen still born foetuses ranging from 12 to 36 weeks were examined. The morphology and histology using (i) Haematoxylin and eosin (ii) Tannic acid, phosphomolybdic acid and amido black (TPA) (iii) Masson's trichrome stains were studied.
Result: The measurement of the gland was compared with its CRL. The weight of the gland and foetus were compared to the gestational age. The capsule, septae, cortex, medulla, blood vessel, lymphocytes, reticular epithelial cells, adipose cells and Hassall's corpuscle were demonstrated.
Conclusion: The involution of thymus gland, reflected in its morphology and histology can serve as a baseline to identify pathological conditions.
Keywords: Foetal thymus, morphology, reticular epithelial cells, adipose cells, Hassall's corpuscle, Haematoxylin eosin, Tannic acid phosphomolybdic acid amido black (TPA), Masson's trichrome.
DOI: 8201
DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.7324/NJBMS.2018.8201
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