[Pain perception of the fetus].

Author presents a comprehensive overview of the currently available information about fetal pain perception. In this context the article discusses the concept of pain sensation, its evolution during intrauterine life and its physical and biochemical signs. Only the last mentioned phenomena allow deduction with regard to the severity of pain related stress reaction, in the absence of objective yardstick for measuring the intensity of pain felt by the fetus.

[Intrauterine development, functions and diseases of male reproductive organs].

This article discusses the role of the central nervous system and testosterone hormone and its derivatives in the intrauterine development of male reproductive organs. The characteristics that define male personality first emerge in fetal stage of human development. Thereafter they continue to evolve during childhood.

[Physiology of intrauterine fetal activity].

Development of heart motions and fetal body movements are detectable by ultrasound in early gestation period. There is no identifiable triggering mechanism, thus these motions are attributed to an intrinsic autonomic mechanism. These spontaneous motions controlled by endogenous mechanisms of central nervous system represent neural functions.

[Fetal urology].

Although it becomes vitally important only after birth, renal function already plays significant role in maintaining fetal metabolic equilibrium. The kidneys significantly contribute to production of amniotic fluid. Adequate amount of amniotic fluid is needed to stimulate the intrauterine fetal respiratory activity.

[Fetal bone and joint disorders].

The article discusses the physiology and pathology of fetal bone and joint development and functions. The bones provide static support for the body. The skull and the bones of spinal column encase the central and part of the peripheral nervous system.

[Fetal oncology].

The author presents a review of benign and malignant tumors that may affect the fetus. Virtually all tumors that occur in children and adults may also develop in the fetus, and can be found in the neonate. For their early diagnosis ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are of critical importance.

[Grasping reflex activity in utero is one element of fetal behavior (Grasping activity is a part of fetal ethology)].

It is well known the newborns and infants activity include touching and grasping of various surrounding things lasting some months in postnatal period. The study involved observation of fetal grasping reflex during last trimester of pregnancy. The author was able to observe 6 episodes of grasping the umbilical cord in an other fetus grasping his scrotum, and another of his penis.

[Intrauterine infections].

A broad variety of microorganisms are capable of causing fetal infections. Among viral agents prominent are the human cytomegaly virus (HCMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immundeficiency virus (HIV), varicella, herpes zooster, rubella, parvovirus B19, measles and the hepatitis B and C viruses. Protozoa such as toxoplasma and spirocheta pallida, causing congenital syphilis are equally important.