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IJAR.2020.120

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Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 8; Issue 2.1 (April 2020)

Page No.: 7424-7429

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2020.120

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF HUMAN FOETAL THYMUS

Vaishali Sitaram Kirwale 1, S. S. Dhapate *2.

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.

*2 Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, S.R.T.R Medical College,  Ambajogai, Beed, Maharashtra, India.

Corresponding Author: Dr. Shankar S. Dhapate, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, S.R.T.R Medical College Ambajogai, Beed, Maharashtra, India. E-Mail: anasrtr@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Thymus consists of two pyramidal lobes. It is located in the mediastinum behind the sternum and in front of the pericardium and great vessels of the heart. The present study has been undertaken to highlight some important points in morphometry of foetal thymus gland.

Materials and Methods: In the present study 30 foetuses (12-38 week) were studied. The obtained foetuses were fixed in 10% formalin. After proper fixation they were subjected to dissection. The length and breadth of gland was measured by vernier caliper in centimeters. Weight of the gland was measured using electronic weighing machine. Naked eye examination done for number of lobes.

Results: The average length of the thymus at 12th week was 0.2cm on right side and 0.2cm on left side, it was increased to 4cm on right side and 4.5cm on left side. The average breadth of thymus was 0.12cm on right side and 0.10cm on left side at 12th week which was increased to 2.2cm and 2.6cm on right & left side respectively at 38th week. The average weight of thymus was 0.1 gm at 12th week and 8.2 gm at 38th week. The majority of thymus 26(86.67%) shows presence of two lobes.

Conclusion: All parameters length, breadth and weight of thymus show gradual increase with advancing gestational age with significant changes. There are wide variations in number of lobes of thymus gland.

Key words: Thymus, morphometry, foetuses, gestational age.

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Cite this article: Vaishali Sitaram Kirwale, S. S. Dhapate. MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF HUMAN FOETAL THYMUS. Int J Anat Res 2020;8(2.1):7424-7429. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2020.120