Abstract
Development of pandreas was studied from standpoint of its increase in weight and of histometory of its histological elements on 38 pancreases from non-selected autopsy cases, from prenatal to adolescent age. Mean weight of pancreases examined was 2 gm at birth. Thereafter pancreas weight increased ten times (mean weight : 22.8 gm) during preschool period, and reached to thirty times (mean weight : 58.4gm) until the adolescent.
Several elements-acini, islets, ducts, vessels, and connective tissues were measured by a point count method. The volume ratio of acinar tissue in the pancreas, which bear the most important functional activity increased from 65.8% in prenatal (7mo. - 10mo.) and newborn period to 80% in infancy. The volume ratio of connective tissue in the pancreas was 21.8% in prenatal and newborn period, and decreased to 5% in infancy.
The weight gain of pancreas in the childhood was due to increase of acinar tissue.
