| Also known as the hindbrain, and is one of the earliest structures in the developing fetal brain, visible on ultrasound as early as 8-10 weeks of gestational age. It eventually forms essential parts of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem, which are responsible for coordinating movement and basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat. Its early appearance in the developing fetus is a normal part of brain development and can sometimes look like a small cystic space at the back of the fetal head on an ultrasound, but it’s a natural and temporary stage of fetal brain growth. |
