This study evaluates the use of the Microscopic Magnetic Resonance (MMR) in
the human prenatal development. Human embryos (8mm, 15mm, 18mm and 22mm in
length) fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde were used. Results were compared with
light microscopy (LM) images. The internal configuration of the embryos ca
n be clearly observed as well as many organs such as liver, lungs, heart, i
ncluding their spatial relationships. In general MMR sections are less clea
r and show minor details than those by LM. Neverthless, many advantages are
provided by using this technique. For example it is possible: a) to make t
hree-dimensional (3-D) surface and internal full or partial reconstructions
; b) to evaluate the presence of developmental anomalies; c) to evaluate th
e tissular preservation degree of the specimens; and d) to apply morphometr
ic techniques to unfixed specimens. In our opinion the advantages derived b
y using MMR are many and overcome the disadvantages. This study demonstrate
s that MMR can be incorporated into ordinary laboratory techniques in human
development studies, being also an initial election technique opposite to
others more aggressive.