Nerve cells and synapses in the human foetal hypogastric nerves

The hypogastric nerves of a human foetus of 220 mm C-R length (23rd week) were investigated with an electron microscope. These nerves were composed mainly of bundles of unmyelinated fibres and single myelinated fibres. Small ganglia and single ganglion cells were observed in the hypogastric nerves. Light and dark cells were found among the nerve cells. The two types of cell differed in the number of ribosomes and the amount rough endoplasmic reticulum. In the period of development investigated protosynapses and mature synapses were observed in the hypogastric nerves