Abstract

MORPHOMETRIC AND STEREOLOGICAL STUDY OF FETAL PAROTID GLAND

Swayam Jothi S.*

ABSTRACT

Aim: To study the different components of Parotid gland in which the facial nerve is embedded. Materials & Methods: Parotid gland of 8 fetuses was utilized for the study with the help of reticle. Simple morphometric and stereological methods (Weibel 1962, Weibel and Elias 1967; and Weibel 1969) were undertaken to estimate the volume and surface area of the different components of the parotid salivary gland- the glandular tissue, blood vessels, connective tissue, and the facial nerve embedded in the gland. The site, course, branches and variations of the facial nerve had been widely discussed in adults. Little attention has been given to these anatomical considerations in new-born infants. Because tumours in the parotid gland of infants are due to haemangiomas, this study will provide anatomical characteristics of the facial nerve in infants and thus permit more effective surgical treatment involving the nerve within the parotid parenchyma. Plane of the facial nerve: Using the ocular micrometer the depth at which the nerve bundles were situated was also studied. The plane and depth at which the facial nerve bundles were situated varies. The depth ranges from 2.6 mm to 9 mm and the nerve bundles appear to lie close proximity to the lymph node.

Keywords: Parotid gland, Facial nerve, Reticle, Ocular micrometer, Stage Micrometer.