The surface area and volume of the human fetus
Meban, C.
Journal of Anatomy 137: 271-278
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8782 PMID: 6630040 Document Number: 198139
The surface area and volume of 79 human fetuses (body weight 8-4090 g) were estimated using a geometric method. Body surface area increased by a factor of .apprx. 70, and body volume by a factor of .apprx. 400 during the fetal period. Surface area (S, in cm2) was related to body weight (W, in g) and crown-heel length (L, in cm) according to the equation S = 6.4954 .times. W0.562 .times. L0.320 while volume (V, in cm3) was related to the same 2 variables by the equation V = 0.6065 .times. W0.752 .times. L0.638. The former equation was used to construct a nomogram for estimating the surface area of human fetuses and neonates.