DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i07.005

Pages: 2332-2337

Cellular differentiation of the developing pancreas was studied in the pancreatic specimens obtained from the aborted fetuses and still births of Manipuri origin using hematoxylin-eosin and modified aldehyde fuchsin stains. Both the exocrine and endocrine components were identified in the 13-16 weeks of gestation, the youngest age group of the study. However, the glandular components were more characterized and differentiated as the gestational age advanced. The pancreas showed presence of an outer covering of loose connective tissue. The islets were devoid of proper capsule, but separated from the surrounding structures by thin layer of connective tissue. The islet cells i.e. alpha, beta and delta cells showed intermingling type of arrangement in all the gestational age groups in the study. The development of glandular components continued throughout the gestational period as evident by the presence of glandular buds at the terminals of branching tubules.