Morphometric Analysis of Central Canal of Spinal Cord in Developing Indian Human Foetuses

Although foetal anatomy of central nervous system has received minimal attention, its functional signifi cance is not disputable. Central canal of spinal cord in adult human and animal has been thoroughly studied but informations on human foetal spinal cord are lacking in literature.

Thirty human foetuses were obtained from the museum of Department of Anatomy, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh. Spinal cords were dissected out and their transverse sections in the region of cervical and lumbar enlargements were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains. Measurements were made by using micrometer slide and graduated eye piece. Anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters of central canal along with its distance from anterior and posterior surfaces and sides of spinal cord were considered.

Transverse diameter in the region of cervical enlargement showed reduction in two groups (Gp II and V); explained by spurt in ependymal proliferations. On comparing the AP and transverse diameters, central canal was observed to be circular. Transverse diameter of the central canal of lumbar region showed significant increase in Gp IV, whereas AP diameter presented with significant increment among all groups. On comparing the AP and transverse diameters, shape was circular in groups I, II and IV, compressed from sides in group III and compressed from ventral and dorsal aspects in last foetal group. Central canal of cervical and lumbar enlargement was found to be nearer the anterior surface than the posterior one, a feature similar to adult.

Morphometric variations are commonly present in the central canal of spinal cord of human foetuses.