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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

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4-Dimensional Imaging of Zebrafish Optic Cup Morphogenesis
Published on: May 26, 2021
Structure of the optic canal in human ontogenesis
1Department of Human Anatomy, State Medical University, Dzerzhinsky avenue 83, 220116 Minsk, Republic of Belarus.
Summary
This study reveals optic canal (OC) development, identifying anatomical factors for tunnel syndrome. Asynchronous morphogenesis and asymmetry were observed, highlighting the importance of OC structure for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Anatomy
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The optic canal (OC) is crucial for vision, and its pathologies can lead to significant health issues.
- Understanding OC development is key to diagnosing related conditions like tunnel syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the developmental regularities of the optic canal (OC).
- To identify anatomical preconditions for OC-related pathologies, such as tunnel syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Studied 105 human embryos (195 OCs) aged 4-70 mm PCL.
- Measured OC and optic nerve (ON) diameters at various points.
- Assessed distances between OC walls, ON, and ophthalmic artery.
Main Results:
- OC wall morphogenesis is asynchronous, with retarded development of the upper wall.
- Revealed asymmetry in morphometric characteristics between right and left OCs.
- Identified typical and individual OC structural features, including aperture form and ON/OC diameter correlations.
Conclusions:
- OC development is dependent on the integrated organization of all its elements.
- Identified distinct developmental periods for the OC.
- CT analysis of revealed OC features confirms its effectiveness in diagnosing OC pathologies.
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