Mapping human fetal thalamus development during the second trimester with 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging

Ye Teng

Institute for Sectional Anatomy and Digital Human, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China

The second trimester is a critical period for the early development of the thalamus. This study aims to characterize normal thalamus growth in human fetuses during this stage.We used 7.0T MR images of fetal specimens ranging from 14 to 22 gestational weeks. Volume measurements and shape analysis were performed to quantitatively evaluate global and regional thalamus growth. The results of the volume measurement showed a rapid overall growth pattern. The heterogeneity of morphological development showed a similar distribution pattern of thalamic nucleus. This study bring new insight into the fetal thalamus development and provide anatomical references for future studies.