Fetal liver

Fetal Liver

The fetal liver is an important organ in the development of the fetus during pregnancy. It is one of the first organs to develop and plays a crucial role in the production of blood cells, a process known as hematopoiesis.

Development

The fetal liver begins to develop during the third week of gestation. It originates from the endoderm, one of the three primary germ layers in the very early embryo. The endoderm forms a structure called the foregut, which gives rise to the liver bud. This bud expands into the surrounding mesenchyme and forms the liver.

Function

The primary function of the fetal liver is the production of blood cells, a process known as hematopoiesis. This process begins around the sixth week of gestation and continues until shortly before birth. The fetal liver produces both red blood cells and white blood cells.

In addition to hematopoiesis, the fetal liver also plays a role in the metabolism of the fetus. It helps to process nutrients from the placenta, and it also produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the development or function of the fetal liver can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, congenital hepatic fibrosis is a rare disease that results from malformation of the ductal plate, a structure in the fetal liver. Other conditions, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, can result from defects in the liver's ability to metabolize certain substances.

Liver transplantation may be considered in severe cases of liver disease. However, this is a complex procedure with significant risks, and it is not typically performed on fetuses or newborns.

See Also

• Fetal development
• Hematopoiesis
• Liver disease