Human Fetus at 22 Weeks in the Womb, Lateral View (Black Skin)

Description

A fetus at approximately 22 weeks of gestation lies in a flexed attitude within the intact amniotic sac, viewed from the left side. The head is disproportionately large relative to the trunk, the scalp still sparsely haired, and the eyelids remain fused over prominent orbits. Both upper limbs are drawn up beside the face with the fingers near the ear, while the hips and knees are flexed so that the plantar surface of one foot faces the viewer, showing early ridge patterning on the sole. The umbilical cord leaves the abdomen at the umbilicus and spirals through the amniotic fluid toward the discoid placenta, whose chorionic surface vessels branch across its fetal aspect where it is implanted on the uterine wall. Twenty-two weeks sits near the accepted threshold of viability, which makes this stage central to counselling on preterm birth, neonatal resuscitation thresholds and decision-making at the limits of care. It also corresponds to the window of the detailed mid-trimester anomaly scan, when biometry such as biparietal diameter, head and abdominal circumference and femur length is measured, cord insertion is confirmed and placental site is documented. The visible relationship of cord to placenta and amniotic cavity underpins discussion of amniocentesis, cord entanglement, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, and anterior versus posterior placentation. Suited to obstetric and midwifery teaching sequences that track development week by week, embryology and human development textbooks, antenatal class handouts and patient-facing material explaining what an ultrasound is showing. Sonographers, neonatal nurses, prenatal genetic counsellors and health publishers can use it alongside the neighbouring weeks in the series to demonstrate progressive growth and changing fetal proportions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.