- Research Article
- 10.21276/amit.2025.v12.i3.120
A Study on Histogenesis of Fetal Suprarenal Gland in Various Gestational Age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study from Tamil Nadu
- Sep 01, 2025
- Acta Medica International
- Poongothai M + 2 more +2
Background: The suprarenal glands are located retroperitoneally near the posterior abdominal wall at the eleventh—twelfth thoracic vertebrae level. Each gland consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The current study aims to examine the microscopic anatomy of developmental changes in the fetal suprarenal gland in various fetal age groups. Material and Methods: This study was an institution-based observational study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur. In this study, 25 dead fetuses with gestational ages ranging from 12 to 32 weeks were obtained from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Thanjavur Medical College. These fetuses were the products of pregnancies that were terminated under the MTP Act of India, 1971. Results: We found that the medulla was poorly characterized between 12 and 16 weeks, while the embryonic suprarenal cortex showed up as two layers: the permanent cortex and the fetal cortex. By the 22nd week, the transitional zone appeared, and the medulla was identifiable. The fetal cortex began to shrink around weeks 22 and 24. By 29 to 32 weeks, zona fasciculata and zona glomerulosa were formed from the permanent cortex's cells. The fetal cortex and permanent cortex have a 1:4 ratio. Throughout the whole development process, this was upheld. Conclusion: Three separate zones—the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and the fetal zone—could be distinguished in the microscopic examination of the fetal suprarenal gland. This study provides insights into suprarenal gland development, aiding clinicians in understanding conditions like pheochromocytoma and adrenal diabetes. Keywords: Fetal Cortex, Permanent Cortex, Neuroblastic, Nodules, Transitional Zone, Chromaffin Cells.
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