The fetal lung 1: developmental aspects

A literature survey is presented on normal fetal development during the emb ryonic, pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular and alveolar stages in the h uman fetus. Normal anatomical and physiological aspects of fetal lung devel opment including the fetal pulmonary circulation are described. Factors whi ch may influence fetal lung growth and consequently may play a role in the development of pulmonary hypoplasia are discussed, such as intrauterine and intrathoracic space, lung fluid, fetal breathing movements, normal balance of volume and pressure in the lung and interference with the blood supply.