Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi (Mar 2015)
Microscopic Appearance of Human Spleen at Different Gestational Age Groups: A Fetal Histological Study
Abstract
Purpose: Spleen is concerned with phagocytosis and immune response. Microscopically the spleen has a capsule and parenchyma. The parenchymal tissue of the spleen consists of white pulp and red pulp. The present study is an attempt to reveal the detailed microscopic appearance of spleen in fetuses at various gestational ages. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out on 15 human fetuses) of known gestational age (GA) in the department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The sections of the spleen were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin and were observed under light microscope. Results: The microscopic anatomy of the spleen was observed at different gestational age. At first trimester the spleen was covered with a capsule. The lymphoid aggregations were observed throughout the spleen without any well differentiated red pulp. At second trimester the lymphoid aggregations started differentiating around the central arteriole forming the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath by 20 weeks. The red pulp was distinctly observed containing the RBCs and sinusoids and the white pulp containing lymphoid follicles were observed by 23rd week. At third trimester distinct red and white pulp was observed. By 30th week well developed lymphoid follicles with central arteriole were seen. At 36 weeks the central arteriole was seen at the periphery of the lymphoid follicle. Conclusion: A detailed description of the development of parenchymal and vascular components is essential in understanding the normal development of spleen. [Cukurova Med J 2015; 40(1.000): 36-41]
