Boundary Formation of the Human Caudal Foregut during the Early Fetal Period: Three-Dimensional Analysis Using T1-Weighted and Diffusion Tensor Images.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

While caudal foregut development in human fetuses has been outlined in previous research, the formation of its border region remains unclear. This study aimed to visualize the precise timeline of caudal foregut boundary formation.

Methods

Three-dimensional images of the foregut from T1-weighted scans of 24 fetuses (crown-rump length [CRL]: 34-103 mm) were analyzed to measure the wall thickness and lumen diameter at nine specific sites. The internal structure in the border region was verified using histological sections and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography.

Results

The lower esophageal and pyloric canal walls were thicker in samples with a CRL ≥50 mm. The esophageal wall at the esophageal hiatus, where the lower esophageal sphincter is located,

SUBMITTER: Kanahashi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12283065 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature