An original histological method for studying the volar skin of the fetal hands and feet.

Aims: The human fetal period of life is when there is complete development of the dermatoglyphic pattern. However, to date not enough is known about the differentiation of the papillary terrain during prenatal life and which mechanisms are involved in this differentiation. The aims of the present study are to contribute to the clarification of the embryogenesis of the papillary ridges and to compare their development on the hands and feet.

Morphologic heterogeneity of human thymic nonlymphocytic cells.

The thymus is the central organ of the immune system. It is essential for the development and maintenance of normal immune system, especially cell-mediated immunity. From the morphological point of view, the thymus is divided into two main compartments, cortex and medulla.

The phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the human pharyngeal region focused on the thymus, parathyroid, and thyroid glands.

The pharyngeal (branchial) region represents a classic example where the relationship between ontogenesis and phylogenesis has been demonstrated. It is a region where the development of gills during ontogenesis of all chordates has been recapitulated. In the process of evolution the pharyngeal region has undergone marked changes.