The effect of adipose tissue on light presented to the human fetus using
Monte Carlo simulations
- Zac Isaac,
- Jacob Heerikhuisen,
- Vincent Reid
Zac Isaac
The University of Waikato Department of Mathematics
Corresponding Author:zac.isaac@waikato.ac.nz
Author ProfileJacob Heerikhuisen
The University of Waikato Department of Mathematics
Author ProfileVincent Reid
The University of Waikato School of Psychology
Author ProfileAbstract
The extent to which external light sources illuminate the uterine
environment is not completely known. Recent experimental work has
indicated that the human fetus will respond to external visual stimuli,
and initial modelling work has suggested that the fetus may not develop
in a completely dark environment as previously thought. The development
of the human visual system begins within the womb, and there is
experimental motivation to explore the extent to which light penetrates
maternal abdominal tissue. In this study, we develop and adapt a Monte
Carlo model that simulates third trimester histological properties of
maternal tissue in order to understand the extent to which the womb is
illuminated by external point light sources. We next use the results of
this mathematical modelling to determine approximate levels of third
trimester uterine illumination and suggest improvements for future
experimental work.