Anatomy and variations of plantaris muscle in fetuses

Introduction: We have aimed at researching into the morphometric development and variations of the plantaris muscle and its tendon throughout the fetal period and comparing them with the results of the study performed on adults. Method: A total of 102 fetal legs (51 human fetuses: 26 male, 25 female) whose ages varied between 15 and 40 gestational weeks without any external pathology or anomaly were incorporated in the study. The fetuses were divided into groups according to gestational weeks, trimesters and months. After the general external measurements of the fetuses had been made, the leg dissection was performed. Later on, the morphometric parameters of plantaris muscle were measured. Results: The averages and standard deviations of the measured parameters were determined according to gestational weeks, trimesters and months. There was a significant correlation between the measured parameters and the gestational age (p < 0.001). There was no difference between genders in terms of parameters (p > 0.005). All the obtained results were discussed by making comparisons with the previous studies. Discussion: We are of the opinion that the data obtained in our study will be of use to the involved clinicians in the evaluation of the development of plantaris muscle, and in the clinical studies and practices. Copyright (C) 2015, Anatomical Society of India. Published by Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.