Skeletopy of the brachiocephalic trunk and the common carotid arteries in human fetuses

Abstract

By means of anatomical and radiological methods and with help of the Computer Digital Image Analysis System the brachiocephalic trunk and the common carotid arteries in relation to the vertebral column were studied in 60 human fetuses. The vessels were found to be between the upper borders: of the third thoracic vertebra and the first cervical vertebra (Th3s-C1s). In the 6th month of the ontogenetic development the vessels descended by one vertebra and established their location in the next prenatal compartment (8-9) between the lower borders: of these same vertebra (Th 3i - C 1i ). We have counted the skeletopic age correlation coefficients of these vessels andfound the diminuation of their values. Sexual skeletopic dimorphisms have not been observed. These investigations have clinical implications.