Embryogenesis and histogenesis of the human fetal liver at various stages of gestation

Abstract

Background of Study: To assess the prenatal development of the human liver at gestation ages (GAs) 12–36 weeks using microscopic parameters and their correlation to predict the GA. The observation of microscopic features such as Kupffer cells (KCs), hematopoietic activity, stellate cells, glycogen granules, central vein (CV), and portal triad (PT) carries immense importance for its use in the estimation of fetal GA, detection of anatomical variations, and identification of congenital anomalies concerning branches such as anatomy, surgery, forensic sciences, radiology, pediatrics, and phytopathology. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of anatomy on 33 normal fetuses of GA 12–36 weeks and classified them into 5 groups as A (12–16 weeks), B (17–21 weeks), C (22–26 weeks), D (27–31 weeks), and E (32–36 weeks). The general parameters were measured. Slides were prepared as per standard protocol and observed under a light microscope. Results: Microscopic observation reveals CV and PT in 15 weeks, dominant hematopoiesis till 21 weeks and then declines gradually, KC in 16 weeks, sinusoids in 19 weeks, glycogen granules deposition from 36 weeks, and hepatic lobule and portal lobule appears at 31 weeks. Conclusion: The knowledge of morphological features with respect to gestational age is a reliable reference help to prevent misdiagnosis of various pathological conditions of the liver such as cirrhosis, hepatomegaly, fetal anemia, intrauterine growth retardation, and congenital anomalies.