MORPHOLOGY OF THE CORPUS-CALLOSUM IN HUMAN FETUSES

Shape and size of the human fetal corpus callosum of a relatively raci ally homogeneous southern Indian sample population were studied in mid sagittal sections of formalin fixed brains. Length of corpus callosum and width of its genu, body, and splenium were measured and the data s tatistically analyzed. Presence of an isthmus between the body and spl enium did not correlate with the measured variables. There was no sign ificant gender difference. The variables correlated significantly amon g each other but only callosal length and genu width correlated with g estation age. Significant absolute increase occurred in callosal lengt h and genu width, whereas body and splenium widths remained the same. Simple regression equations to estimate the callosal length and genu w idth for a given age are derived. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.