File:Fetal small Intestine length growth graph.jpg

Human Fetal Small Intestine Length

Graph based on data from FitzSimmons J, Chinn A, Shepard TH. (1988)^[1]

• 58 fetuses received in the Central Laboratory for Human Embryology between January 1, 1987, and July 1, 1988
• no abnormalities were noted on autopsy
• from the esophagogastric junction to the pelvic floor
• Measurements of stomach, small and large intestines, and appendix length were made and correlated with gestational age as determined by footlength
• Overall growth of the gastrointestinal tract as well as that of each component was linear with respect to gestational age
• gastrointestinal tracts of aneuploid fetuses fell within the normal range until approximately 20 weeks gestation, after which growth decreased

Note original data based upon gestational age (LMP), post-fertilization age is only calculated.

For educational purposes only.

References