Histologically the trachea is made up of mucosa, submucosa, hyaline cartilage and adventitia. Therefore the study of histogenesis of the fetal trachea provides not only the information on the functional morphology of the organ, but also gives a baseline in the investigations and management of pre and neonatal pathological conditions. The present study was carried out on 15 human fetuses of known gestational age of all trimesters in the department of Anatomy in KMC Manipal. The transverse section of trachea was taken. The sections were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin and were observed under light microscope. The microscopic anatomy of the trachea was observed at different GA and the changes were observed. At first trimester the trachea was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium without any goblet cells. Incomplete rings of hyaline cartilage were also observed .The cellular components of the hyaline cartilage were predominant while the amount of ground substance was comparatively less. Smooth muscle was present at the posterior aspect of the trachea. Few cilia, goblet cells and seromucous glands appeared by 16th week. At third trimester the trachea was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and goblet cells. Mature ‘C’ shaped hyaline cartilage with well differentiated territorial and interterritorial matrix was observed by 32 weeks. The present study is a preliminary attempt to highlight the histogenesis of trachea at various gestational periods.
