Vol 63, No 4 (2004)
Original article
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2004-09-16
Geometrical assessment of the foetal lumbar vertebral column - clinical implications
Marcin Czyż, Alicja Kędzia
Folia Morphol 2004;63(4):431-438.
Vol 63, No 4 (2004)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2004-09-16
Abstract
The neural arches, transverse processes, spinous processes, and superior and
inferior articular processes of each of the 5 lumbar vertebrae can often be found
under the common heading of ‘posterior element’. The aim of our study was to
assess the changes in geometry of the posterior elements of the foetal lumbar
vertebrae during the foetal period. A total of 50 human foetuses, both female
and male, from natural abortions, C-R length ranging from 58 to 220 mm, were
examined. The methodology of the research included classical anatomical preparation,
detailed measurements of the structural elements of the lumbar vertebrae
and statistical analysis. Geometrical reconstruction was subsequently performed.
The shape of the posterior elements changed gradually from wide and
massive to slender. We observed a descending sequence of these alterations,
the first vertebra to change being L1, with L5 the last. The dynamic of the change
was at its greatest during the first 4 weeks of the period evaluated. On the basis
of our observations we concluded that the geometry of the posterior elements
of the lumbar vertebrae undergoes a process of a great transformation during
the foetal period, a process which progresses dynamically until the 14th week of
intra-uterine development. The associations with micro-angiogenesis, the ossification
process and the notion of structural adaptation of the lumbar spine to
heightening mechanical stress are also discussed.
Abstract
The neural arches, transverse processes, spinous processes, and superior and
inferior articular processes of each of the 5 lumbar vertebrae can often be found
under the common heading of ‘posterior element’. The aim of our study was to
assess the changes in geometry of the posterior elements of the foetal lumbar
vertebrae during the foetal period. A total of 50 human foetuses, both female
and male, from natural abortions, C-R length ranging from 58 to 220 mm, were
examined. The methodology of the research included classical anatomical preparation,
detailed measurements of the structural elements of the lumbar vertebrae
and statistical analysis. Geometrical reconstruction was subsequently performed.
The shape of the posterior elements changed gradually from wide and
massive to slender. We observed a descending sequence of these alterations,
the first vertebra to change being L1, with L5 the last. The dynamic of the change
was at its greatest during the first 4 weeks of the period evaluated. On the basis
of our observations we concluded that the geometry of the posterior elements
of the lumbar vertebrae undergoes a process of a great transformation during
the foetal period, a process which progresses dynamically until the 14th week of
intra-uterine development. The associations with micro-angiogenesis, the ossification
process and the notion of structural adaptation of the lumbar spine to
heightening mechanical stress are also discussed.
Keywords
lumbar vertebra; morphometry; foetus; anatomy
Title
Geometrical assessment of the foetal lumbar vertebral column - clinical implications
Journal
Folia Morphologica
Issue
Vol 63, No 4 (2004)
Article type
Original article
Pages
431-438
Published online
2004-09-16
Page views
489
Article views/downloads
1005
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2004;63(4):431-438.
Keywords
lumbar vertebra
morphometry
foetus
anatomy
Authors
Marcin Czyż
Alicja Kędzia