Variations of lobes and fissures in human fetal lung: a cadaveric study

The human lungs are divided by fissures into lobes, which facilitate movements of lobes in relation to one another. Anatomical variations of lungs including number, fissures and lobes are at utmost important. The study was done to note the morphological variation of the fissures and lobes in fetal lungs. 62 human fetuses from 12 weeks to 40 weeks of gestational age were collected from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Hospital , after getting formal permission from the concern authority/ persons and the Institutional Ethics Committee. After fixation in 10% formalin, fetuses were dissected and both lungs were removed for examinations. On the right side, 8 specimens showed incomplete oblique fissure, 39 specimens showed incomplete horizontal fissure, 1 specimen showed absence of horizontal fissure and 9 specimens showed superior accessory fissure. On the left side, 5 specimens showed incomplete oblique fissure and the left minor fissure was seen in 8 specimens. Knowledge of lobes and fissures in a particular population might help the clinician during diagnosis and partial resection of lungs. This may reduce morbidity and mortality associated with lung disease.