Histological structure of the medial and lateral walls of cavernous sinus in human fetuses.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to elucidate the architecture of these fine structures in human fetuses.

METHODS

The histological examination of medial wall (MW) and lateral wall (LW) was performed in 15 normal human fetuses. Eleven fetuses were female and four were male. The gestational age ranged between 14 and 35 weeks. The weight ranged between 180 and 1750 g. The wall samples (two MW and two LW from each fetus) were obtained by microsurgical technique and underwent histological examination. Each wall was examined for the structure and composition of collagen and elastic fibers, ganglions, peripheral nerves, and vessels.

RESULTS

A total of 60 wall samples (30 MW and 30 LW) were examined in 15 fetuses. Loose connective tissue composed of type III collagen was observed in both of the walls. Elastic fibers were observed only in three wall samples (two MW and one LW). Ganglion was detected in 11 samples (nine in LW and two in MW), and peripheral nerve was found in 28 walls (18 LW and 10 MW). Vessels were observed in 51 samples (26 LW and 25 MW). None of the walls was stained with type I collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

The structure of LW and MW of the cavernous sinus (CS) in fetuses is mainly composed of collagen tissue while some elastic fibers are supported by this tissue. Type III collagen is the main component of fetal CS walls. Because of the weak histological structure, CS may be more prone to tumor invasion in infants.