A STUDY OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE HUMAN THORACO-ABDOMINAL DIAPHRAGM IN FOETUSES

Abstract

Background: An incidence of 1 in 4000 of diaphragmatic hernias certainly warrants a thorough study especially in the light of possible noninvasive diagnostic techniques and treatment in utero. Aim: Study of the diaphragm in various gestational stages. Objectives: In-depth study of the thraco-abdominal diaphragm in fetuses was done as there is a paucity of literature. Morphometry of various aspects like attachments, foramina, blood supply and nerve supply. The major openings of the diaphragm were observed and as many structures as discernable were elucidated. The findings are compared with those of adult cadavers. Methods: 50 Fetuses of both sexes were procured from ANITS and KGH, Visakhapatnam and 10 adult cadavers were acquired from the Department of Anatomy from NRIIMS, Visakhapatnam for the study. Results: Variation of origin of inferior phrenic arteries were found. The accessory phrenic nerve was found arising from the nerve to subclavius. The eventration of the left dome of the diaphragm and oesophageal hiatus hernia with atretic lung were observed. Conclusion: Such a comprehensive study is of immense value for the detection of relevant hernias of the diaphragm in early intrauterine life by the clinicians and for alleviation of such disorders by surgical measures.