Low-Resolution Images

The low-resolutions microscopic images presented in this webpage were derived from a collection of high-resolution scans (see below).

For embryos and fetuses that were cut in the sagittal plane, 1-3 mid-section are depicted. For embryos and fetuses that were cut horizontally or frontally, 2-6 sections through head, thorax, abdomen, or pelvis are shown. The primary organs and anatomical structures are each assigned a number, the key to which is given, together with information appertaining to their stage of development. These images can be readily downloaded and employed for teaching purposes. A second series of the same images is unlabeled.

High-Resolution Scans

200'000 serial histological sections, cut in various anatomical planes, through 85 human embryos and of different ages (CRL: 3.3 mm - 32 mm) and 15 fetuses (CRL: 33 mm - 54 mm) were scanned over a period of three years with a Hamamatsu Nanozoomer (S360). The collection of images comprises the scans of 12'000 slides, which were derived from histological sections cut in the sagittal, horizontal, and frontal planes. The total size of the collection of images is 130 terabytes. Because of their excellent preservation and superior staining quality, sections of 100 embryos and of 15 fetuses were chosen for this webpage.

The original images can be viewed with the readily available NDP.view2 software of Hamamatsu.

For those interested in the high-resolution images or in the embryology of a specific organ, the data can be supplied on the receipt of a scientific account of the use to which the information will be put. Please submit your request to: marco.celio@unifr.ch.