A study on histology of fetal liver

Background and aims : The liver during fetogenesis does not follow classical lobular pattern. Normal histology of the fetal liver at various stages of development was studied to get insight into the morphology of fetal liver and special function it performs in fetal life. Method: Dissection of 29 normal human fetuses was done and histological findings of liver were noted with respect to the age of fetus. The histology of fetal liver was studied using H & E stain and important features of fetal liver were studied. Result: Fetal liver histology is different from adult liver. Unlike adult liver, fetal liver shows hepatocytes arranged in sheets predominantly with cordlike pattern at places. The sinusoids are dilated and filled with hemopoietic cells, which could be appreciated at different stages of fetal development. The Kupffer cells were also noticed in fetal liver. Conclusion: The present study will be helpful in understanding the normal histology of fetal liver and add to the existing knowledge regarding development of fetal liver.