Embryology of Limbs Flashcards
From what part of the embryo do somites arise
Paraxial Mesoderm
From what part(s) of the embryo do limbs arise
Somites and Lateral Plate Mesoderm
Discuss the role of paraxial mesoderm in limb formation
Dermatome gives rise to dermis connective tissue
Mytotome gives rise to limb muscles
Discuss the role of lateral plate mesoderm in limb formation
Bones of upper & lower limbs
Blood Vessels
Connective tissue (except for that of the dermis) (e.g. Ligaments, Tendons, etc.)
Limb Bud
Very first limb precursor formed in an embryo
When do limb buds form in an embryo
Week 4
Early embryonic development progression of limbs
A - 5 Weeks
B - 6
C - 7
What is the main development in limbs after 8 weeks
The limb elements just increase in size
Lag between upper and lower limb
Lower limb development lags behind upper limb development by 1 to 2 days
How are limbs initially formed
Firstly as a cartilagenous model
Discuss the osteological development of Lower Limb growth from weeks 6 to 8
At first it is cartilage, with bones starting to fill in at 6 weeks
Then the bones lengthen and others continue to form
Finally by 8 weeks all the major bones have formed
Which bones/bone groups of the lower limb are formed at 6 weeks in an embryo
Pelvis, Thigh/Legs, Footplate cartilages
Which bones/bone groups of the lower limb are formed at 7 weeks in an embryo
Tarsal Cartilages
Which bones/bone groups of the lower limb are formed at 8 weeks in an embryo
Metatarsal Cartilages
Ischium
What are the toes like at 7 weeks
Still connected and not formed as individual structures
Rostral/Caudal
Rostral is the Axis situated towards the head embryologically
Caudal is the Axis situated towards the ‘tail’ embryologically
Relevant axes in the embryological development of a limb
Proximal - Distal
Anterior (Rostral) - Posterior (Caudal)
Dorsal - Ventral
What part of the embryo initiates limb outgrowth in the proximal-distal axis
The Apical Ectodermal Ridge at the tip of the limb buds
What direction of growth is the Apical Ectodermal Ridge (AER) responsible for
Proximo-distal growth
Effect of AER on mesenchyme
Causes proliferation of cartilage from mesenchyme
HOX Genes
Homeobox Genes
Group of related genes that specify regions of the body plan of an embryo
HOX Proteins encode & specify the characteristics of ‘position’
Depending on which HOX genes is expressed, difference elements will form
AER vs HOX Genes
HOX genes determines the specific components/bones that form while the AER is responsible for the lengthening/differentiation of the axis as a whole
Result of Disruption of HOX Genes
Loss of Specific Limb Elements
Potential causes of HOX Gene disruption
Mutation, Teratogens like retinoic acid/ethanol