CODE: 21 - Urogenital vascular net in human embryonic period
Article published in Urologia Polska 2006/59/Suplement 1.

authors

Piotr Cieśliński ¹, Witold Woźniak ², Zbigniew Kwias ¹

¹ Katedra i Klinika Urologii AM w Poznaniu
² Katedra i Zakład Anatomii Prawidłowej AM w Poznaniu

summary

Introduction. The development of the metanephros, mesonephros and gonad is strictly related one to another. The embryonic period is characterized by great dynamic of changes within these organs. Their normal development depends on proper formation of arterial supply. In available literature their is a lot of differences in opinions concerning the formation of arterial supply to the metanephros, mesonephros and gonad.

Objectives. Evaluation of the external arterial supply to the metanephros, mesonephros and gonad during the embryonic period.

Materials and methods. Study was made on human embryos in developmental stages from 13 to 23, what corresponds to the age of embryos expressed in postovulatory days between 32 and 56. Embryos were from collection of the Department of Anatomy. Age of embryos was established according to international criteria for developmental stages. All embryos were embedded in paraplast and sectioned serially in 3 planes (sagital, horizontal or frontal). Sections of 5 to 10 um thick were stained according to routine histological methods as well as impregnated with silver salts.

Results. Close topographic relationships of the metanephros, mesonephros and gonad joins also common arterial supply. The urogenital vascular net surrounding these organs is clearly observed from the very beginning of the development of these structures. It consists of the arteries from the abdominal aorta and branches from the mesonephric arteries.

Conclusions. The urogenital vascular net plays a very important role during the embryonic period in the blood supply of 3 topographicly closely related organs, such as: metanephros, mesonephros and gonad. This vascular net is till the end of the 7th week of embryonic period the only source of arterial blood for these organs. It's proper development is responsible for the formation of the renal arteries.